Ambo response times improve

Ambulance response times in Latrobe have improved 11 per cent in the past 12 months in what’s been dubbed a “collaborative approach”.

Ambulance Victoria response time data revealed that in the past year, response times for code one emergencies have fallen from 14.36 minutes to 12.40 minutes.

State Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing attributed the improvements to recent investments in more paramedics, MICA units and facilities at Traralgon and Moe.

“It means that paramedics can continue to improve the level of response and care to a larger number of call-outs as our region grows,” Ms Shing said.

“There’s been a collaborative approach to hospital and health service engagement and further community education programs around when to call an ambulance – which have also assisted.”

It comes as the State Government works with local emergency services to deliver suitable locations for new ambulance and firefighting facilities, respectively.

Initially Morwell was earmarked for an emergency services hub, with fire and ambulance facilities all in one.

However, due to ongoing issues including suitability and location, alternatives for an appropriate site are currently being explored.

“We were elected with a commitment to co-locate ambulance and fire but we’ve since heard from the community that co-location will not service the needs of our growing community as efficiently as stand alone services would,” Ms Shing said.

“We’re looking forward to delivering an ambulance station for Morwell that delivers what paramedics, hospitals and health services and most importantly patients need.

“We are continuing the consultation with both fire and emergency services to deliver them the infrastructure and facilities they need.”

It follows a commitment by the State Government from this week’s state budget to include $26.5 million to improve response times and rebuild Victoria’s ambulance service, which will see an additional 450 paramedics employed across the state.