RESPONSE times by Ambulance Victoria in the Gannawarra increased slightly in the final three months of last year, but the bigger picture shows that our paramedics’ performances are improving.
Paramedics attended 38.9 per cent of code 1 patients within the 15-minute target time.
The average response time was 23 minutes, 37 seconds – three seconds slower than in the previous quarter.
Performances improved, however, from the same reporting period in 2022, when 41.3 per cent of code 1 patients were attended to within 15 minutes, with an average response time of 24 minutes, 25 seconds.
The Swan Hill urban centre was the best in Victoria during the final three months of last year.
Paramedics attended 89.4 per cent of code 1 patients within the 15-minute target time.
The average response time was nine minutes, 49 seconds – more than one minute faster than in the previous quarter.
However, across the entire Swan Hill local government area the performance dropped, to an average response time of 15 minutes, 46 seconds.
Paramedics attended 68.5 per cent of code 1 patients within 15 minutes in the municipality.
Ambulance Victoria Loddon-Mallee regional director Matt McCrohan said the average response time to code 1 cases across Victoria was now under 15 minutes for the first time in more than two years.
“While there is more work ahead of us, it is encouraging our response to code 1 emergencies improved a full minute and 46 seconds across Victoria compared to a year ago,” Mr McCrohan said.
“Our dedicated paramedics and first responders are to be commended for the outstanding care they deliver to communities across the state.”
Executive director of clinical operations Anthony Carlyon said improved performance followed increased use of alternative and virtual-care services for people in the community who did not require an ambulance.
“From October to December 2023, 38,695 people who did not need an emergency ambulance were instead connected to more appropriate care by paramedics and nurses in AV’s secondary triage team,” Mr Carlyon said.
“There are now so many options for people in the community to get timely, non-urgent health advice and save 000 for emergencies.
“For non-life-threatening matters, you can connect directly with emergency doctors and nurses at the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department from anywhere in Victoria, at any time.”
