Ambulance response times in Hume improves

AV acting executive director of regional operations Michael Georgiou said demand for ambulances to attend Code 1 emergencies, requiring lights and sirens, had fallen by 3.5 per cent when compared to this quarter last year.

“April to June last year was AV’s biggest three months on record — with 102,419 Code 1 emergencies,” Mr Georgiou said.

“Across the same period this year, we’ve responded to 98,874 Code 1 cases.”

Throughout Victoria, AV crews responded to 65.3 per cent of Code 1 cases within the statewide target of 15 minutes, up from 64.2 per cent a year ago.

“I thank our highly skilled paramedics and first responders who do a remarkable job providing the best care to their communities, each and every day,” Mr Georgiou said.

“From April to June 2025, the statewide average response time to Code 1 emergencies was 15 minutes and 27 seconds — down from 15 minutes and 37 seconds a year ago.

“There has also been an improvement in the percentage of Code 1 cases responded to within 15 minutes.”

Compared to the same time last year, performance had improved in 53 local government areas, with Moira, Mansfield, Strathbogie and Greater Shepparton LGAs, as well as Kilmore, seeing the biggest improvements.

Despite the increase in calls for this type of incident, response time within the 15-minute target rose by 2.7 per cent, and the average response time decreased from 17:53 to 17:14.

While the figures are positive, AV Hume regional director Narelle Capp said the winter months often strained crews, and urged people to assess their symptoms before calling 000.

“Winter is always our busiest time. Our paramedics are focused on reaching the sickest patients first — but every day, more than 500 calls to 000 don’t need an emergency ambulance,” Ms Capp said.

“There are many options people can access when they need timely medical care and health advice but don’t need an emergency ambulance, including the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department and Urgent Care Clinics.”