Ambulance Demand Surges in Barwon South West Region
- BySamantha Wilkins --
- 2024-08-05 05:42:08 --
- 0 Comments --
- AU
Record-Breaking Quarter for Paramedics and First Responders
The latest data from Ambulance Victoria (AV) reveals that the Barwon South West region experienced its busiest quarter on record, with paramedics and first responders responding to over 7,550 Code 1 emergencies between April 1, 2024, and June 30, 2024. This represents a 6.8% increase, or 483 more Code 1 cases, compared to the same period last year.
Barwon South West regional director Jessica McGowan acknowledged the tremendous strain on the healthcare system, stating, "The entire health system continues to be extremely busy due to seasonal illness, such as flu, COVID and respiratory syncytial virus, circulating within our communities and our workforce." She emphasized the importance of the public using alternative care options to keep highly skilled paramedics available for those most in need.
The data also revealed that the Queenscliffe and Greater Geelong local government areas (LGAs) had the biggest performance improvement in the region. Greater Geelong LGA paramedics attended 5,111 Code 1 cases, with 73.4% of Code 1 patients attended to within 15 minutes, a 70% increase from last year.
Regional Operations executive director Danielle North explained that AV closely monitors demand, ambulance availability, call taking, and the dispatch grid, and works closely with hospitals. She also highlighted the role of the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED), to which paramedics referred more than 30,000 patients in 2023/24, and the Secondary Triage team, which connected 41,704 people who did not need an emergency ambulance to more appropriate care.
"Staying up to date with your yearly flu and COVID-19 vaccinations helps protect you, the people around you, and makes a difference reducing demand on our paramedics during this busy time."
To ease the burden on the healthcare system, McGowan encouraged the public to consider alternative care options, such as local priority primary care centers, general practitioners, pharmacists, Nurse-On-Call, or the VVED, when their medical needs are not an emergency.
The surge in demand for emergency services in the Barwon South West region highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the healthcare system, particularly during periods of high seasonal illness. By utilizing alternative care options and staying up to date with vaccinations, the public can play a crucial role in supporting the dedicated paramedics and first responders who work tirelessly to provide care to those in need.
The Barwon South West region's performance improvement, particularly in the Queenscliffe and Greater Geelong LGAs, is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the paramedics and first responders who have risen to the occasion during this unprecedented time. As the healthcare system continues to grapple with the demands of the current climate, the public's support and responsible use of emergency services will be essential in ensuring the best possible care for those who need it most.