According to performance data released by Ambulance Victoria for the October 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023 quarter the average response time for code one ambulance callouts was 18 minutes and 50 seconds across 666 cases.
For the previous quarter (July 1 – September 30, 2023) the average time was 18 minutes and 27 seconds for a total of 669 cases.
Response times were faster in the major population centre of Yarrawonga with ambulances reaching 66.9 per cent of Code One patients within 15 minutes, with an average response time of 15 minutes and 50 seconds – a 1 minute 32 second improvement from 17 minutes and 22 seconds in the same period last year.
Ambulance Victoria’s Response Times Performance Data also releases Code Two response times which are cases that are acute but non-time critical cases still requiring an ambulance.
For the previous quarter (July 1 – September 31, 2023) the average response time across Moira Shire was 44 minutes and 49 seconds across 459 cases.
From October 1 – December 31, 2023, the average time decreased for a response time of 40 minutes and 21 seconds for a total of 514 cases with 55 more cases than the previous quarter.
In Indigo Shire, response times for code one cases have pleasingly decreased to 21 minutes and 41 seconds for 197 cases after increasing slightly in the last quarter with responses between July and September 2023 taking 23 minutes and 29 seconds for 173 cases.
For code two responses, the time dramatically improved once again to 43 minutes and 13 seconds for 111 cases, an almost 5 minute improvement than the previous quarter which saw responses take 48 minutes and 2 seconds for 108 cases.
Across Victoria Ambulance Victoria Executive Director Clinical Operations Anthony Carlyon said the average response time to Code 1 “lights and sirens” cases 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 compared to a year ago,” Mr Carlyon said.
“The Productivity Commission’s recent Report on Government Services shows Victoria has Australia’s most trusted paramedics and leads the nation in cardiac arrest survival and pain management.
“Our dedicated paramedics and first responders are to be commended for the outstanding care they deliver to communities across the state.”
Mr 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 Triple Zero (000) for emergencies.
“For non-life-threatening matters, you can connect directly with emergency doctors and nurses at the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) from anywhere in Victoria, at any time.
“Since October 2021, paramedics have referred more than 56,000 patients to the VVED, while a further 5,400 have been referred to the VVED following assessment by our Secondary Triage team.
“Other options also include your local Priority Primary Care Centre, your GP or pharmacist, or Nurse-On-Call on 1300 60 60 24.”
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