From April to June 2023, the figures show that 26.9 percent of first responders to Code 1 calls arrived within 15 minutes, compared to 29 percent in the previous quarter.
The average time taken for an ambulance to respond to a Code 1 call in the region was 24 minutes and 43 seconds over 225 callouts, in contrast to 22 minutes and 53 seconds for 214 Code 1 call outs in the previous quarter.
The statistics reveal the ongoing strain on ambulance services in North East Victoria.
Indigo Shire Mayor Sophie Price commented on the situation, acknowledging the hard work of the first responders and emphasising the need for more resources.
“We know our wonderful first responders are doing an incredible job, but more resources are urgently needed, and we will continue to advocate to the state government for a better deal for our community,” she said.
Member for Benambra Bill Tilley also weighed in on the matter.
“The latest figures show the average response at just under 25 minutes, almost 10 minutes more than the benchmark,” he said.
“I’ve spoken with the industry, and they also believe we need localised rostering that considers our circumstances and geography, rather than someone in a tower in Melbourne.”
Mr Tilley further suggested that a peak-period ambulance shift in Wodonga could alleviate the reliance on outlying stations to meet the city’s growing demand, formally requested a meeting with the minister to discuss this proposal after engaging in discussions with stakeholders in the industry.
The Ambulance Victoria data also revealed that the demand for life-saving ambulances in Indigo Shire has nearly doubled over the past five years, putting additional strain on the existing resources.
In February, the Member for Benambra called for the establishment of a 24-hour ambulance station in Beechworth and the hiring of seven additional paramedics as potential solutions to address the ongoing challenges faced by the ambulance services.
“The mantra is every second counts and yet while Melbourne is outraged at a state-wide average of 9½ minutes, Indigo is almost triple that,” he said.
“In 2018 there were, on average, 131 calls each quarter for lights and siren ambulances, with the latest figures it is more than 217.
“A couple of extra paramedics at Beechworth and one at Chiltern, doesn’t cut it.”
Mr Tilley said bed blockages and limited resources in Wodonga continue to drain outlying stations.
“They (the ambulances) sit outside emergency with their patient until a bed is available – it can take hours,” he said.
“So, when all the Wodonga ambulances are sitting at Albury Base or Wodonga Hospital, the next call out is to the paramedics at Beechworth … taking that service out of Indigo Shire, the next after that Tallangatta, leaving Towong short.”
