With crews responding to nearly 100,000 Code 1 emergencies, paramedics are once again at the forefront of a healthcare system under pressure.
“We have seen a 26.6 per cent increase in Code 1 cases since the COVID-19 pandemic began more than five years ago,” AV executive director of regional operations Danielle North said.
The last quarter of 2024 registered 99,799 urgent emergencies, marking it the fourth-busiest quarter on record.
To meet the rising demand, AV has been actively working to improve response times.
During the October to December period, 64.9 per cent of Code 1 cases received attention within the targeted 15-minute window, with the average response time clocking in at 15 minutes and 42 seconds.
The organisation has also increased its workforce, bringing on 84 new graduate paramedics since last November.
“More new paramedics have hit the road to help meet demand,” Ms North said.
“(In addition to the 84 new graduate paramedics), a further 15 recruits will start soon, including qualified paramedics from NSW, Queensland, the Northern Territory and New Zealand.”
Furthermore, AV is leveraging technology to enhance service delivery by rolling out new digital radios across regional Victoria and providing iPads to all its crews this year.
This initiative is designed to streamline the process of completing electronic patient care records, allowing paramedics to get back on the road more quickly.
The report also highlighted the efforts made through AV’s secondary triage team, who connect patients to appropriate care, thus freeing up emergency crews for critical incidents.
“From October to December, 43,864 people who did not need an emergency ambulance were instead connected to more appropriate care by paramedics and nurses,” Ms North said.
In the Hume Region specifically, paramedics responded to 5837 Code 1 cases, showing promising results.
“In the Mansfield LGA, paramedics attended 50.5 per cent of Code 1 patients within 15 minutes — up from 43.7 per cent a year earlier,” AV Hume regional director Narelle Capp said.
The progress was also seen in the Wangaratta LGA, where response times improved by 37 seconds.
Despite these strides, both Ms North and Ms Capp recognise that ongoing challenges remain.
“We know there is more work to do,” Ms Capp said.
“AV continues to work with hospitals to promptly transfer patients and ensure all Victorians receive the right care at the right time.”
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