Community
3 May, 2024
AV performance improves in time for winter
PARAMEDIC performance has improved across the Barwon south west region according to new data, in time for the upcoming winter flu season and a period of high emergency ambulance demand.
Ambulance Victoria (AV) Barwon south west regional director Jessica McGowan said paramedics across Victoria were reaching the sickest patients on average 31 seconds faster than a year earlier despite demand increasing 4.4 per cent.
“Our hardworking paramedics and first responders in the Barwon south west region deliver world-class care every day in the face of ongoing high demand – and we can all do our part to help,” she said.
“In winter we see the spread of illness increase. Getting your flu shot and staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations will help you and the people around you stay well.
“Along with simple things like staying home if you’re unwell and washing and sanitising your hands often, these routine winter vaccinations can protect what’s most important to all of us – our health.
“And if we look after our health – it will also make a real difference to our busy paramedics who again face rising demand as we head into winter.”
Ms McGowan encouraged residents to take care of themselves during the colder months, including keeping regular check-ups with their GP or specialists.
January to March 2024 was the busiest Quarter Three on record for emergency ambulances with 150,048 Code One and Code Two cases combined.
This includes 96,484 Code One (urgent incidents responded to with lights and sirens) cases and 53,564 Code Two (acute but not time critical) cases.
In the Corangamite local government area, paramedics attended 43.5 per cent of Code One patients within 15 minutes – up from 36.9 per cent in the previous quarter – the second biggest improvement in the state.
As a result, response times were one minute and 35 seconds faster than three months ago.
Acting executive director clinical operations Andrew Keenan said there were many options people can access when they need timely medical care and health advice but not an emergency ambulance.
“By using these services, it helps keep our ambulances ready and available for the sickest patients, particularly those with life-threatening conditions,” he said.
“If it’s not life-threatening, you can connect directly with emergency doctors and nurses at the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) from anywhere in Victoria, 24-hours, seven days a week.
“This convenient, free service can assess non-life-threatening emergencies virtually in the comfort of home with no need to attend an emergency department.
“Other options also include your local Priority Primary Care Centre (PPCC), your GP or pharmacist, or Nurse-On-Call on 1300 60 60 24.”