The latest data from Ambulance Victoria reveals faster response times across the Hume region, with paramedics arriving about 31 seconds sooner than last year.
This boost in performance is even more impressive considering a 4.4 per cent jump in demand.
Ambulance Victoria Hume regional director Steve Doyle praised the paramedics and first responders for their exceptional care.
“Our hardworking paramedics and first responders in the Hume region deliver world-class care every day in the face of ongoing high demand,” he said.
Emergency ambulances faced their busiest period on record between January and March, with 150,048 Code 1 and Code 2 cases combined.
Despite the surge in patients, Victoria’s paramedics have responded to 67.7 per cent of Code 1 cases within the statewide target of 15 minutes — up from 65.2 per cent a year ago.
Response times improved in 62 of Victoria’s 79 local government areas, especially in Greater Shepparton, Benalla and Moira.
Over the past year, Code 1 response times decreased by one minute and 23 seconds in Greater Shepparton LGA, one minute and 22 seconds in the Benalla LGA, and 49 seconds in the Moira LGA.
As winter approaches and demand rises, Mr Doyle encouraged Victorians to get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19.
“Winter is a particularly bad time for the spread of illness,” he said.
“The good news is that getting your flu shot and staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations will help you and the people around you stay well — book in now with your pharmacist or doctor.
“Along with simple things like staying home if you’re unwell and washing and sanitising your hands often, these routine winter vaccinations can protect what’s most important to all of us — our health.
“And if we look after our health, it will also make a real difference to our busy paramedics who again face rising demand as we head into winter.”
Along with these suggestions, Ambulance Victoria also urged Victorians to consider alternative care options for non-life-threatening conditions.
Acting executive director of clinical operations Andrew Keenan said many services were available for people who required prompt medical care and health advice but did not need an emergency ambulance.
Shepparton Priority Primary Care and Medicare Urgent Care Centre, at 49 Graham St, Shepparton, provides free care for people with conditions that require urgent attention, including mild infections and burns, suspected fractures or broken bones.
Alternatively, the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department can be accessed from anywhere in Victoria, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
VVED is a convenient, free service that connects patients directly with emergency doctors and nurses in the comfort of their homes.
Other options include contacting your local GP, pharmacist, or Nurse-On-Call on 1300 60 60 24.
“Using these services helps keep our ambulances ready and available for the sickest patients, particularly those with life-threatening conditions,” Mr Keenan said.
“It will help keep you and your friends, family and community well and protect a health system that always faces extra pressure during winter.”
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