Victoria’s Code 1 Response Times Improve in Third Quarter

As a result, the average ambulance response time for time-critical patients was 16 seconds faster across the state. North praised the dedication and hard work of paramedics and first responders, who continue to provide top-quality care despite working under pressure.

During this same period, AV attended over 3,000 more “lights and sirens” cases compared to a year ago and 27.6% more Code 1 cases than before the pandemic five years ago. In total, AV crews responded to 65.4% of Code 1 cases within the state-wide target of 15 minutes, an improvement from 64.2% in the previous quarter. The average response time to Code 1 emergencies across the state was 15 minutes and 21 seconds.

In the Metropolitan Region, crews responded to 69,958 Code 1 cases between July and September. The latest data shows that performance against the 15-minute target for Code 1 cases improved in 59 out of 79 Local Government Areas (LGAs) compared to the previous quarter. The biggest improvements were seen in the Banyule, Cardinia, Mornington Peninsula, Whittlesea, and Knox LGAs. In these areas, the average response time to Code 1 patients improved by one minute or more.

In the Melbourne LGA, paramedics attended to 76.4% of Code 1 patients within 15 minutes, making it the fourth-best result in the state and the best in the Metropolitan Region. The busiest LGAs, with the highest percentage of total workload, were Casey, Hume, Wyndham, and Whittlesea.

According to Metropolitan Regional Director Vanessa Gorman, while there is still more work to be done, AV is continuously working with hospitals to ensure timely transfer of patients and provide the right care at the right time for all Victorians. Gorman also highlighted the important role of AV’s Secondary Triage team, which helps connect patients with the appropriate care and frees up crews for time-critical emergencies.

In the months of July to September, 41,142 patients who did not require an emergency ambulance were connected to more appropriate care by paramedics and nurses in Secondary Triage. Additionally, in 2023/24, almost 43,000 patients were referred to the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED), with over three-quarters of them receiving care without the need for transport to a physical ED.

Gorman emphasized the importance of everyone playing their part, stating, “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).” She suggested alternative options such as the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED), Urgent Care Clinics, GP or pharmacist visits, and Nurse-On-Call on 1300 60 60 24.”