As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to put pressure on health services, Ambulance Victoria is urging people to save Triple Zero calls for emergencies only.
Between October and December, a total of 45,087 callers state-wide to Triple Zero did not need an emergency ambulance and were instead connected by paramedics and nurses in the Secondary Triage Service.
Ambulance Victoria Loddon Mallee acting regional director Trevor Weston said, currently, as many as one in five calls to Triple Zero for an ambulance did not actually need an emergency ambulance response.
“Every call for assistance that isn’t an emergency puts significant strain on our crews to reach those who need us the most,” he said.
“There are lots of places to get health advice – that isn’t Triple Zero. If it is non-life-threatening, GPs and pharmacists can provide timely non-urgent care. Nurse-On-Call (1300 606 024) is a great service and offers free medical advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“We are now seeing a significant increase in calls from people with COVID-19 symptoms, many who do not require emergency care.
“Most people with COVID-19 will not need an ambulance, as minor COVID-19 symptoms can be managed at home. If you develop severe symptoms, you should call Triple Zero immediately.”
Performance data for the last quarter shows Victorian paramedics were called to 91,397 Code 1 cases between October and December. This is a 16.2 per cent increase on the same time in 2020 – and the most Code 1 cases in a quarter ever.
In the quarter, 66.5 per cent of Code 1 cases were responded to within 15 minutes, with a state-wide average response time of 15 minutes and 11 seconds.
In the Mount Alexander Local Government Area performance is improving with paramedics attending 46.5 per cent of Code 1 patients within 15 minutes compared with 43.9 per cent for the same period in 2020. The average response time to Code 1 patients was 18 minutes and 24 seconds.
Response times were faster in the major population centre of Castlemaine with ambulances reaching 69.2 per cent of Code 1 patients within 15 minutes, with an average response time 14 minutes and 23 seconds. This is an improvement from 15 minutes and 54 seconds for the same period in 2020.
