Hard working paramedics and first responders across Victoria are continuing to respond to around 100,000 critical ‘Code 1’ emergencies every three months.
Ambulance Victoria (AV) Executive Director Regional Operations Danielle North said demand on ambulance crews remains steadily high – with the last quarter of 2024 AV’s fourth busiest on record.
“We have seen a 26.6 per cent increase in Code 1 cases since the COVID-19 pandemic began more than five years ago,” Ms North said.
“October to December is commonly one of our busiest times, and last year was no exception as our crews were called to 99,799 Code 1 emergencies. This was also the third quarter in a row close to or above 100,000 cases.
“In the face of this sustained pressure, our highly skilled paramedics and first responders do a remarkable job providing best care to their communities, each and every day.”
From October to December 2024, AV crews across Victoria responded to 64.9 per cent of Code 1 cases within the state-wide target of 15 minutes. The state-wide average response time to Code 1 emergencies was 15 minutes and 42 seconds.
Ms North said, “We know there is more work to do. AV continues to work with hospitals to promptly transfer patients and ensure all Victorians receive the right care at the right time.
“More new paramedics have also hit the road to help meet demand. Since last November, we have welcomed 84 new graduate paramedics to our ranks and a further 15 new recruits will start soon including qualified paramedics from New South Wales, Queensland, the Northern Territory and New Zealand.
“Our people are our greatest assets. It is through them that we continue to lead the way in patient care including one of the best cardiac arrest survival rates in the world.
“We are also giving them the latest technology they need to do their job and get back on the road quicker.
“In 2025, we are rolling out new digital radios across regional Victoria and iPads to all our crews with a modern platform making it easier and faster to complete electronic patient care records.”
Ms North said, “Our expert Secondary Triage team of nurses and paramedics also make a real difference by connecting patients with the care they need while helping free up crews for patients in time-critical emergencies.
“From October to December, 43,864 people who did not need an emergency ambulance were instead connected to more appropriate care by paramedics and nurses in Secondary Triage.
“In 2023-24, paramedics referred nearly 43,000 patients to the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED), with over three quarters cared for without transport to a physical ED.
“And our Medium Acuity Transport Service (MATS) crews dedicated for less-urgent calls attended 8,100 cases during the last quarter, freeing up more ambulances to respond to the most critically ill patients.”
Ms North encouraged Victorians to do their part to ensure AV’s highly skilled paramedics were available for patients most in need.
“In less urgent cases, there are many options people can access when they need timely medical care and health advice all day every day – but not an emergency ambulance or calling Triple Zero (000),” Ms North said.
“This includes the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED), Urgent Care Clinics and other options such as your GP or pharmacist, or Nurse-On-Call on 1300 60 60 24.”
The full Q2 performance data is available here.
