Western Metropolitan Region
Dr CUMMING (Western Metropolitan) (12:36): (1778) My question is to the Minister for Emergency Services, and it is from Eddie in West Footscray. When can we expect ambulance response times to meet targets and the expectations of residents? Ambulance response times in Maribyrnong have increased beyond the recommended time for code 1 incidents of 15 minutes. The latest data shows the average response time was 15 minutes and 27 seconds if you live in Maribyrnong. Residents in Hobsons Bay have better response times, with an average wait time of 14 minutes and 55 seconds for an ambulance to arrive. While this is below the recommended times, it is a slight increase from the previous quarter’s average response times. We know that the paramedics are burnt out. They are pushed beyond acceptable levels in order to keep the service going. Minister, how are you going to actually help our ambulance service and response times for the safety of our residents?