News

Emergency Services | November 06, 2017

Ambulance response times worst in State

The Nationals Member for Lowan and Shadow Minister for Country Health, Emma Kealy MP says that despite claims by the Andrews Labor Government of improved ambulance response times, Wimmera residents still have some of the longest waiting times in Victoria.

The Andrews Labor Government has set an ambulance response time target of within 15 minutes for Code One callouts.

Statistics released by Ambulance Victoria show the Yarriambiack Local Government Area remains the slowest in the State for Code One callouts with an average response time of 24.57 minutes, well above the State target.

Response times in the Hindmarsh and West Wimmera LGA have increased to 22.20 minutes and 23.23 minutes respectively.

“The Andrews Labor Government is claiming their reforms are delivering record ambulance response time results for Victorians and yet the response times in our region have actually increased over the last 12 months,” Ms Kealy said. 

“It doesn’t matter where you live, every minute counts when you need an ambulance.

“Our paramedics and ambulance community officers are working exceptionally hard and doing their very best in challenging circumstances.

“But the evidence is clear - regional Victorians are not experiencing the same improvements in ambulance services as those in inner Melbourne and major regional centres and once again have been forgotten by Daniel Andrews.

“The Andrews Labor Government must act immediately to provide the resources and support our paramedics need to ensure our local people can access medical treatment when needed,” she said.