AV acting executive director of regional operations Michael Georgiou said demand for code one ambulances increased by 2.8 per cent across the state compared to the previous quarter.
“Winter consistently brings the highest emergency call volumes and this year was no exception,” he said.
“This was our busiest first quarter on record, with 101,632 code one emergencies in just three months, and overall, it was our second-busiest quarter ever.”
There were a total of 760 first responses in Campaspe, 49 more than the previous quarter, which saw an average response time of 17 minutes and 34 seconds.
In Gannawarra, there were 163 first responses and an average response time of 21 minutes and 15 seconds was recorded, more than two minutes faster than the previous quarter.
The official AV target response time for code one calls is to reach 85 per cent of cases in 15 minutes or less, with an average of 53.9 per cent met in Campaspe this quarter and 44.8 per cent in Gannawarra.
The average response time increased in Echuca for a fourth consecutive quarter, recorded as 13 minutes and 24 seconds across 263 first responses, with 76.8 per cent attended to within 15 minutes.
Statewide, 64.1 per cent of code one cases were responded to on target and the average response time was 15 minutes and 46 seconds.
AV Loddon Mallee regional director Matt McCrohan said community members could help save lives by considering the most appropriate care for their situation.
“Our paramedics are focused on reaching the sickest patients first. But every day, about one in five calls to 000 do not need an emergency ambulance response,” he said.
“Getting the right care fast can make all the difference and means more paramedics are on the road for people who need our urgent, lifesaving care the most.”
The free Victorian Virtual Emergency Department and Nurse-On Call helpline are available 24/7, while GPs and pharmacists can provide medical care and advice.
New standards for ambulance and emergency care were introduced in Victoria earlier this year and have improved hospital clearing times for AV crews.
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