Revealed: Alarming spike in urgent ambulance calls across Victoria
Geelong’s most highly trained paramedics are struggling to fill shifts as Victorian paramedics respond to an additional 100 life-threatening emergency calls each day since April.
Geelong
Don't miss out on the headlines from Geelong. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Geelong paramedics are under increasing pressure, responding to more urgent calls every day.
New Ambulance Victoria data shows Victorian paramedics have responded to an extra 100 Code 1 cases across the state each day since April.
Paramedics say the spike has been largely driven by respiratory illness, with the increase in demand for lifesaving paramedic care placing significant strain on the system.
Ambulance union head Danny Hill said Geelong’s Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance paramedics - the most highly trained paramedics - were under additional pressure, with units often unable to fill shifts.
“It’s not uncommon that we have intensive care availability to Geelong patients coming from Ballarat or metro west (to treat) time critical patients,” he said.
“It’s a life and death risk if you have a patient in cardiac arrest.
“When MICA are unable to attend often the patient doesn’t get the treatment they desperately need.”
He said the reliance on overtime shifts was also putting pressure on paramedics.
“(Paramedics) work massive amounts of incidental overtime and there is a high reliance on overtime,” Mr Hill said.
“It’s very difficult for them to be able to come to work an additional shift when they want to be with their family.”
Ambulance Victoria chief executive officer Jordan Emery pleaded with Victorians to consider alternative healthcare options for less-urgent medical concerns.
“We all have a role to play in ensuring paramedics are available to respond to the sickest people in our communities,” Mr Emery said.
“We’ve seen a significant increase in Code 1 cases, on average 100 more each day compared to just a few months ago.
“This increase in life-threatening cases means we need to respond lights and sirens to administer lifesaving medical care – and we can’t do that if ambulances are being called to less-urgent or avoidable situations.”
Acting director of regional and clinical Operations Jessica McGowan urged Victorians to ensure they’re protected against seasonal illness.
“Vaccination remains one of the best ways to protect against seasonal illness and if you’re feeling unwell or you have flu-like symptoms, stay home to help stop the spread and protect those most at risk,” Ms McGowan said.
“Paramedics do not replace GP care. It is vital that if you are feeling unwell that you seek medical advice as soon as possible, before your illness escalates. That advice could be from a local GP or pharmacist, or the online Victorian Virtual Emergency Department is also a great option and it’s free.”
Originally published as Revealed: Alarming spike in urgent ambulance calls across Victoria
Man rescued from waters off Jan Juc after walker hears cries for help
A man has been rescued from the, using a helicopter, after a passer-by on the Surf Coast walking track heard calls for help.
Mum’s instinct saves Bannockburn girl from diabetic coma
A Bannockburn mother’s quick thinking saved her seven-year-old daughter from a diabetic coma, with the family now calling for greater awareness of Type 1 diabetes.