The annual winter spike in demand for emergency ambulance services has had a predictable effect on ambulance response times around the Greater Geelong region.
With the total number of first response incidents increasing from 4671 in January to March to 4773 in April to July, the average response time increased from 13 minutes and 48 seconds to 14:08.
However, ambulance services in the region performed better than this time last year, with the April-June 2022 average response time at 14:25 for 4738 first response call-outs.
Ambulance Victoria Barwon South West Director Regional and Clinical Operations Terry Marshall said the April-June quarter of 2022-23 was Ambulance Victoria’s third busiest on record.
“Every winter we see demand rise, and this year is still challenging as COVID-19 and influenza spreads, and more staff are furloughed due to illness,” Mr Marshall said.
“This winter we again urge you to help our paramedics, first responders and hospitals by saving Triple Zero (000) for emergencies and accessing alternative care options which can better meet your needs.”
Ambulance Victoria Executive Director Clinical Operations Anthony Carlyon said Ambulance Victoria had more than tripled the size of its secondary triage team since October 2021, while its Medium Acuity Transport Service freed up more ambulances for critically ill patients.
“Some people hesitate to call 000 because they are not sure if their situation is an emergency. If in doubt, always call 000 and the trained call-taker will help and direct you,” Mr Carlyon said.
“Despite our current challenges, our dedicated paramedics continue to deliver safe and high-quality patient outcomes, including Australia’s best cardiac arrest survival rates.”
