Michaela Meade and Oliver Lees
Ambulance services remain under the pump in Hume and Macedon Ranges, according to data released by Ambulance Victoria last week.
Latest Ambulance Victoria (AV) data reveals the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the service, with paramedics responding 4304 call-outs in Hume between June and September.
Ambulance Victoria responded to 2952 calls during the same period in 2020.
The data also reveals that wait times for code one incidents, which includes all life-threatening incidents, remained above the recommended average response time of 15 minutes.
The average response time in Hume increased to 15 minutes and 12 seconds in the September quarter, up from 14 minutes and 26 seconds in the June quarter.
In the Macedon Ranges, the average response times decreased from 15 minutes and 50 seconds to 15 minutes and 22 seconds for the same period, which is still above the recommended average.
AV chief executive Tony Walker said the data was not surprising given the COVID-19 pandemic continuing.
“The entire healthcare system across Australia is under sustained pressure and our paramedics and first responders are experiencing this first-hand,” Professor Walker said.
“Along with increasing numbers of COVID-19 positive patients, demand has quickly rebounded to levels prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the lockdowns.
“Performance [has] also been impacted by time spent at busy hospitals transferring patients, wearing [personal protective equipment] to all cases and people who have delayed visiting their GP or specialist during lockdown now finding themselves more unwell and needing urgent care.”
Professor Walker said AV was endeavouring to bring in more support for health workers to handle workload.
“We have also put out the call to other agencies to help us manage and respond to any demands that might arise as the pandemic continues,” Professor Walker said.
“We are asking every Victorian to work with us by saving triple-0 for emergencies and seeing your GP or pharmacist early for advice or treatment.”
