by Michaela Meade
Demand for ambulances in Hume has soared, with paramedics called out 1300 times more in the three months to September than in the same period last year.
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 increased in Hume and Whittlesea.
According to AV, code one incidents require urgent paramedic and hospital care, based on information available at time of call.
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 Whittlesea, the response time increased to 14 minutes and 20 seconds in the September quarter, up from 13 minutes and 57 seconds in the June quarter.
AV said “unprecedented growth” in both areas due to the COVID-19 pandemic caused an increase in demand for services.
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 were 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.”
