It was the busiest quarter on record for Barwon South West paramedics and first responders, according to the latest Ambulance Victoria (AV) data.
AV’s performance data for 2023/24 Quarter 4 (April 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024) found that crews in the Barwon South West region had responded to more than 7550 Code 1 emergencies in the quarter.
Barwon South West regional director Jessica McGowan said demand for emergency services across the region had increased by 6.8 per cent, or 483 more Code 1 cases, from last year.
“If your matter is not an emergency, consider using alternative care options and keep our highly skilled paramedics available for patients most in need,” she said.
“The entire health system continues to be extremely busy due to seasonal illness, such as flu, COVID and respiratory syncytial virus, circulating within our communities and our workforce.
“Our dedicated paramedics and first responders in Barwon South West do an incredible job in the face of record-breaking demand, providing the best care to our communities every day.”
The data also found that the Queenscliffe and Greater Geelong local government areas (LGAs) had the biggest performance improvement in the Barwon South West region.
Greater Geelong LGA paramedics attended 5,111 Code 1 cases between April and June, with 73.4 per cent of Code 1 patients attended to within 15 minutes, a 70 per cent increase from last year.
Regional Operations executive director Danielle North said AV monitored demand, ambulance availability, call taking, the dispatch grid and worked with hospitals.
“In 2023/24, paramedics referred more than 30,000 patients to the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED),” she said.
“From April to June, 41,704 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.
“Staying up to date with your yearly flu and COVID-19 vaccinations helps protect you, the people around you, and makes a difference reducing demand on our paramedics during this busy time.”
Alternative pathways for medical care and health advice included a local priority primary care centre, general practitioner, pharmacist, Nurse-On-Call on 1300 60 60 24, or connecting with VVED at vved.org.au
