Ambulance response times in Brimbank have increased during the last quarter as the state hits a new record for emergency callouts.
The latest quarterly performance data released by Ambulance Victoria (AV) showed that from 1 July to 30 September, the average response time for emergency code one cases in Brimbank was 14 minutes and 40 seconds.
While the average response time falls within the 15-minute target, the data reveal an increase of 14 seconds compared with the same quarter in 2024-25.
Of the 3174 emergency callouts in the municipality, 68.5 per cent were responded to within the 15-minute target, down 1.3 per cent compared with the same period last year which recorded 3279 callouts.
The average emergency response time in Brimbank was better than the statewide average of 15 minutes and 46 seconds.
During the July to September quarter, AV crews responded to 64.1 per cent of code one cases across Victoria within the state-wide target of 15 minutes.
AV regional operations executive director Michael Georgiou said during the last quarter, demand for ‘lights and sirens’ ambulances across Victoria increased by 2.8 per cent compared with the previous quarter.
“This was our busiest first quarter on record with 101,632 code one emergencies in just three months, and overall, it was our second busiest quarter ever,” Mr Georgiou said.
“This was another challenging winter – the entire health system was extremely busy with seasonal illness.”
Metropolitan regional director Jessica McGowan said the support of the community can also help save lives.
“Our paramedics are focused on reaching the sickest patients first — but every day, about one in five calls to triple-0 do not need an emergency ambulance response,” Ms McGowan said.
“Getting the right care fast can make all the difference and means more paramedics are on the road for people who need our urgent lifesaving care the most.
“There are many options people can access when they need timely medical care and health advice, at any time of the night or day – but not an emergency ambulance or calling triple-0, including the Victorian virtual emergency department, urgent care clinics, nurse-on-call, GPs and pharmacists.”
