SA Ambulance takes national award, but system demonstrates pressure on health system

SA Ambulance Service has won a national award for diverting 000 callers away from hospital emergency departments – imagine ramping and blocked EDs if they hadn’t.

The SA Ambulance Service is celebrating a national award for excellence after years of challenges ranging from ramping to Covid.

The award for Excellence in Clinical Practice from the Council of Ambulance Authorities shows how clogged the embattled hospital system could be if ambulance officials had not taken action.

The honour recognised the SA ambos’ work since 2021 to divert up to 30 per cent of emergency calls, which are low acuity, away from emergency departments to appropriate alternative care.

Diverting the non-emergency calls to more appropriate care: team leader Joanne Johns and paramedic Courtney Halliday, and behind, clinical nurse Adele Vann and physician Dr Jo Janardan are part of the team. Picture: The Advertiser/ Morgan Sette

SAAS has developed 15 non-ED pathways over the past three years because many people calling 000 do not need acute ED care “but don’t know where to turn,” the entry noted.

The move from a “treat and transport” mindset to include an “assess and refer” culture includes a new assessor role. The “health navigator” confers with crews on the scene to find the best option, away from an ED, for low acuity patients.

SAAS clinical hub team leader Joanne Johns said a new virtual care video-call-based service means patients can be provided tailored support from an emergency physician, which helps the paramedics guide patients towards non-ED care.

“For many of our patients, a hospital emergency department is often not the most appropriate option,” Ms Johns said.