Gerald Lynch
Paramedics in Melbourne’s north are urging residents to get their flu shots and COVID vaccinations ahead of winter, and to access alternative care options where possible.
It has been a successful period for Ambulance Victoria (AV) services throughout Hume and Whittlesea lately, with both municipalities sitting inside the top 10 for response time for code one cases.
Compared with a year ago, Whittlesea has seen a decrease in average response time of one minute and five seconds.
Ambulance Victoria metropolitan regional director Michael Georgiou attributes the success to people utilising alternative services.
“Some of the biggest drivers of that are the other care models people now have access to such as GPs, priority primary care sitters, and the Victorian Emergency Department service online,” he said.
“These additional services are taking unnecessary burden off of ambulances, allowing them to respond to emergencies faster.”
He said it is important to take preventative action this winter to avoid illness as best as possible.
“Winter is a particularly bad time for the spread of illness. The good news is getting your flu shot and staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations will help you and the people around you stay well. Book in now with your pharmacist or doctor.
“Along with simple things like staying home if you’re unwell and washing and sanitising your hands often, these routine winter vaccinations can protect what’s most important to all of us – our health.
“And if we look after our health – it will also make a real difference to our busy paramedics who again face rising demand as we head into winter.
“We also encourage all Victorians to take care of themselves, keep regular check-ups with your GP or specialist – and if it’s not urgent, get familiar with alternative care pathways.”
Acting executive director of clinical operations Andrew Keenan said while ambulances are always provided to patients when required, about one in five calls to Triple Zero do not need an emergency ambulance response.
“From January to March, 39,227 people who did not need an emergency ambulance were instead connected to more appropriate care by paramedics and nurses in AV’s Secondary Triage team,” Mr Keenan said.
“We again remind everyone to save Triple Zero for emergencies – this is to ensure the sickest Victorians receive life-saving care. If you do need an emergency ambulance, always call Triple Zero.”
