Paramedic arrival times improve in Gippsland

NEW Ambulance Victoria data shows paramedics are getting the most critically ill patients faster in the Gippsland region than they were a year ago.

Acting Gippsland Regional and Clinical operations director Paul James said performance improved thanks to more paramedics and people in the community accessing alternative and ‘virtual’ care services.

“July to September saw ambulances across Victoria called to 96,594 Code 1 cases – 2002 more than a year ago – making it the fourth busiest quarter in our history,” Mr James said.

“Despite this high demand, ambulances arrived at ‘lights and sirens’ cases on average 23 seconds faster than a year ago and 52 seconds faster than the previous quarter.

“Our dedicated paramedics do an amazing job delivering world-class care, and Victoria has the best cardiac arrest survival rates in Australia.”

From July to September, paramedics across Victoria responded to 66 per cent of Code 1 cases within the statewide target of 15 minutes – up from 61.7 per cent for the previous three months and 64.3 per cent a year ago.

Mr James said more paramedics were safely referring people to the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED).

Acting chief operations officer Anthony Carlyon thanked the community for helping reduce demand by saving Triple Zero (000) for emergencies and accessing alternative care options for less urgent healthcare.

“There are lots of places to get timely non-urgent health advice. If it is non-life-threatening, you can connect directly with emergency doctors and nurses at the VVED from anywhere in Victoria, at any time,” he said. “Other options also include your local priority primary care centre, your GP or pharmacist, or Nurse-On-Call on 1300 60 60 24.

“While ambulances are always provided to patients when required, about one in five calls to Triple Zero do not need an emergency ambulance response.”