Ambulance times in Baw Baw improve despite increased statewide demand

While demand for ambulances continues to experience all-time highs across Victoria, there is good news for West Gippsland.
Despite a more than 14 per cent increase in urgent (code one) caseload for local paramedics since 2021, their response times have improved in the past 12 months.
Paramedics attended 61.1 per cent of code one patients - patients that required a lights and sirens response - in the Baw Baw local government area within 15 minutes, compared to 55.5 per cent at the same time last year.

Sixty-one per cent is slightly better than the Victorian average between October and December last year, with 60.2 per cent of code one cases responded to within 15 minutes.
Ambulance Victoria's official response time target for code one cases is within 15 minutes for 85 per cent of incidents state-wide and respond to code one incidents within 15 minutes for 90 per of incidents in centres with populations greater than 7500.
The state-wide average response time to code one cases was 16 minutes and 44 seconds during this time, while Baw Baw's yearly average was 16 minutes and 19 seconds – an improvement from 17 minutes and nine seconds a year earlier.
In Warragul, response times dramatically increased, with 76.8 per cent of code one cases responded to within 15 minutes - compared to 71.4 per cent the year prior.
The average response time to code one patients was 13 minutes and 4 seconds – an improvement from 14 minutes and 13 seconds a year earlier.
It was the biggest improvement in the state.
Drouin's response times were higher than Warragul, but still above the state average.
Paramedics reached 67.3 per cent of code patients within 15 minutes – compared to 63.2 per cent last year. The average response time to code one patients was 15 minutes and 17 seconds.
Ambulance Victoria Gippsland regional director Jerome Peyton said ambulance responses for the second quarter of 2022/23 were impacted by soaring demand, sicker patients, and staff furloughing due to COVID-19.
"Across the state, October to December was the busiest quarter in Ambulance Victoria's history with paramedics called to a record 100,234 code one cases," Mr Peyton said.
"A year ago, life-threatening code one cases made up 42 per cent of the total Triple Zero (000) demand – which has now risen to 46 per cent in this quarter
"And on 27 December 2022, paramedics responded to 1304 code one cases – the first time we have broken 1300 code one cases in one day.
"That is why I encourage all Victorians to take care of themselves and keep regular check-ups with your GP or specialist before your condition worsens and you need to call for our lifesaving care – or for more minor ailments, visit your local Priority Primary Care Centre."
Mr Peyton also commented on Baw Baw LGA's improved results.
He said there were a number of factors that impacted Baw Baw's response times in the past 12 months, including the new ambulance station in Warragul and extra peak period units added in the area.
Other additions to ambulance services across Victoria have increased triage capacity and the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, which have allowed paramedics to focus on the most urgent calls.
More peak period units also were added in nearby towns like Korumburra, Moe and Leongatha, which also could have contributed to Baw Baw's results, he said.
"It's a really pleasing outcome for Baw Baw," Mr Peyton said.