Geelong’s ambulances have continued to outperform most of the state in response times last financial quarter, despite being one of the busiest local government areas (LGAs) in Victoria.
Greater Geelong ranked equal 18th out of 79 for the July to September quarter, responding to 70.9 per cent of Code 1 cases attended within 15 minutes or less.
However, Geelong responded to 4985 cases; five per cent of Victoria’s total Code 1 cases and the second highest workload in the state.
Warrnambool had the best success rate against the 15-minute target, responding to 83.8 per cent of its 531 Code 1 cases.
Only two other LGAs in Victoria dealt with more than 4000 Code 1 cases; Casey with 5234 cases and a 53.4 success rate, and Hume (4656 cases, 58.1 per cent).
Barwon South West Regional Director Terry Marshall acknowledged there was more work to be done, with Ambulance Victoria continuing to work with hospitals to ensure patients receive the right care at the right time.
“Our expert Secondary Triage team of nurses and paramedics also make a real difference by connecting patients with the care they need while helping free up crews for patients in time-critical emergencies,” Mr Marshall said.
“From July to September, 41,142 people who did not need an emergency ambulance were instead connected to more appropriate care by paramedics and nurses in Secondary Triage.
“In 2023-24 paramedics referred nearly 43,000 patients to the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED), with over three quarters cared for without transport to a physical ED.”
Mr Marshall said it was also important that everyone did their part by considering alternative care options in non-emergency situations to keep paramedics available for patients most in need.
“In less urgent cases, there are many options people can access when they need timely medical care and health advice all day, every day – but not an emergency ambulance or calling triple zero (000),” Mr Marshall said.
“This includes the VVED, Urgent Care Clinics and other options such as your GP or pharmacist, or Nurse-On-Call on 1300 60 60 24.”
