Be aware of alternative care

GRAMPIANS paramedics are urging Victorians to access alternative care options and get their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations now before winter.

New data shows demand for emergency ambulances remains high, and Grampians Regional Director Peter Jenkins said demand had increased 4.4 per cent since this time last year.

“Our hardworking paramedics and first responders in the Grampians Region deliver world-class care every day in the face of ongoing high demand – and we can all do our part to help,” Mr Jenkins said.

“Winter is a particularly bad time for the spread of illness. The good news is getting your flu shot and staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations will help you and the people around you stay well. Book in now with your pharmacist or doctor.

“Along with simple things like staying home if you’re unwell and washing and sanitising your hands often, these routine winter vaccinations can protect what’s most important to all of us – our health.

“And if we look after our health – it will also make a real difference to our busy paramedics who again face rising demand as we head into winter.

“We also encourage all Victorians to take care of themselves, keep regular check-ups with your GP or specialist – and if it’s not urgent, get familiar with alternative care pathways.”

Despite the rise in demand, hard-working paramedics have improved their performance in 62 of Victoria’s 79 Local Government Areas since a year ago.

More-than 67 per cent of Code 1 cases were responded to across the January to March 2024 quarter – the busiest Quarter 3 on record – with 96,484 Code 1 cases in total recorded.

The biggest improvements were in Moorabool, Ballarat, Hepburn, Yarriambiack, and Northern Grampians LGAs.

In the Ballarat LGA, paramedics attended 81.3 per cent of Code 1 patients within 15 minutes – the second-best result in the state.

Acting executive director clinical operations, Andrew Keenan said there were many options people can access when they need timely medical care and health advice but not an emergency ambulance.

“By using these services, it helps keep our ambulances ready and available for the sickest patients, particularly those with life-threatening conditions,” Mr Keenan said. “If it’s not life-threatening, you can connect directly with emergency doctors and nurses at the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department from anywhere in Victoria, 24 hours, seven days a week.

“This convenient, free service can assess non-life-threatening emergencies virtually in the comfort of home with no need to attend an emergency department.

“Other options also include your local Priority Primary Care Centre, your GP or pharmacist, or Nurse-On-Call on 1300 60 60 24.