Victoria Shadow Minister for Health David Davis

BRUMBY PANICS AHEAD OF DAMAGING AUDITOR GENERAL AMBULANCE REPORT

Victor P Taffa

• Last Minute Promises can’t be believed after Eleven Years of Failure and Incompetence

Victoria Premier John Brumby’s admission of failure on Ambulances today is a last-minute panic move ahead of the expected tabling of a report by the Victorian-Auditor General in Parliament this week, Shadow Minister for Health David Davis said today.

“John Brumby and Labor have hopelessly mismanaged Victorian Ambulance Services over their Eleven years in Power and have put the lives of Victorians at risk.” Mr. Davis said.

“Victoria’s Ambulance Services are in an appalling state, failing to meet response times and exposing Victorians in the country and the city to unacceptable delays. Clearly lives are at risk and this is John Brumby’s fault.”

The recently-released Department of Health 2009–10 Annual Report shows a serious deterioration in the performance of Ambulance Victoria, with response time failures placing lives at risk.

The report shows that the statewide benchmark response time of 85 % of Code One emergency calls responded to within fifteen minutes were not achieved, with only 80.7 % of cases meeting the benchmark.

This means thousands of Victorians wait longer for ambulances and vulnerable people are placed at risk.

“In the previous financial year the result for Code One Emergency Response Statewide was 82.5 %, so there has been a significant deterioration in performance. Despite John Brumby’s spin about extra money, his mismanagement is making things worse, not better.” Mr. Davis said.

In Opposition John Brumby and Labor promised 10 minute response times, but in government they weakened them to fifteen minutes. Labor has never met its weakened target and now is achieving even less.

“John Brumby said he would fix our health system, but instead it has massively deteriorated with our Ambulance Service now a Disaster Area.” Mr. Davis said.

“John Brumby’s panicked announcements today follow the Opposition’s lead but simply can’t be believed. He hasn’t delivered on his 1999 promises so why would anyone think that he will deliver on these panicked announcements?”

“It is clear the Brumby Government cannot manage the crisis in Ambulance Victoria and the only way to end the crisis is to change the Government.” Mr. Davis said.

In June this year, the Coalition announced 210 new Paramedics for Regional Victoria and 100 new Ambulance Paramedics for Metropolitan Melbourne as well as 30 new Patient Transport Officers. Wallan and Beauford will receive newly built Ambulance Stations and Belgrave, Emerald, Yarra Junction and Maryborough will be upgraded to 24 Hours.

Victoria Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu

COALITION ALLOCATES TEN ADDITIONAL MICA PARAMEDIC TEAMS FOR REGIONAL VICTORIA

Victor P Taffa

The Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition today announced if it wins the November election, it will allocate ten new MICA Single Responder Units in regional Victoria, Leader of the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition Ted Baillieu said.

 The Single Responder Units (SRUs) will deliver MICA care through a 24-hour roster, and will be based in major regional areas to provide life-saving specialist-trained paramedics, significantly boosting ambulatory care in regional Victoria.

“Victorians living in regional areas will now have highly-trained paramedics available in their communities to provide much needed care during an emergency.” Mr. Baillieu said.

This announcement will provide ten SRU MICA Paramedics across these Regional Centres at a total capital cost, including specialised fit-out and equipment, of approximately $1 Million:

• Warrnambool
• Horsham
• Mildura
• Shepparton
• Wangaratta
• Wodonga
• Sale
• Bairnsdale
• Wonthaggi
• Swan Hill

Full time MICA Paramedic Response units are already located in Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and Morwell.

Mr. Baillieu said this commitment follows Monday’s announcement of the biggest increase of Ambulance staff in Victoria’s history.

The Coalition’s plan provides for 310 new Ambulance Paramedics, 210 of which will be based in Country Victoria, and an additional 30 Patient Transport Officers allocated to Country Victoria.

“John Brumby and his government have not planned for growth, and have failed to make the provisions required for stronger ambulance services that Victorians can rely on.” Mr. Baillieu said.

“Regional Victoria has pleaded with John Brumby to take action and fix the crisis in our Ambulance Service, yet he has ignored this.”

“The Coalition’s commitment providing these extra these life-saving SRU’s will see highly-trained MICA Paramedics operating in Major Regional Centres throughout the state.” Mr. Baillieu said.

“Labor has had 11 years to fix the crisis in our ambulance service and for all those years, Victorians have heard nothing but excuses from this incompetent government.”

“It’s time to take action and the Coalition will take it, because we are committed to rebuilding Victoria’s Ambulance Service.” Mr. Baillieu said.

Victoria Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu

COALITION’S HUGE BOOST TO AMBULANCE SERVICE WITH 340 NEW OFFICERS

Victor P Taffa

• 13 % INCREASE IN OPERATIONAL AMBULANCE OFFICERS ACROSS VICTORIA

• 210 NEW AMBULANCE PARAMEDICS FOR REGIONAL VICTORIA

• 100 NEW AMBULANCE PARAMEDICS FOR METROPOLITAN MELBOURNE

• 30 NEW PATIENT TRANSPORT OFFICERS

A Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition Government will recruit an additional 310 New Ambulance Paramedics plus 30 New Patient Transport Officers – a total of 340 Ambulance Staff – as part of a plan to properly fund and fix the Ambulance crisis created by Labor in Victoria, Coalition Leader Ted Baillieu said today.

 Mr. Baillieu said all Victorians will benefit from the $151 Million Statewide plan, which would provide hundreds of new Ambulance Officers across Regional and Metropolitan Victoria, and an urgent boost to Ambulance Victoria which has been drastically mismanaged and under funded by John Brumby.

 “A Baillieu Liberal Nationals Coalition Government will overhaul our ailing Ambulance Service, which has struggled under John Brumby, leaving residents experiencing lengthy waits for this basic service across the State, particularly in Regional Victoria.” Mr. Baillieu said.

A Baillieu Government will fund an additional 340 new Ambulance Staff Statewide, with 100 in Metropolitan Melbourne and 240 in Regional Victoria.

Under the plan, the Coalition will work with Ambulance Victoria, Local Communities, and Paramedics to allocate the new officers to areas of the state with the greatest clinical need.

“The additional ambulance officers will be deployed across the state in a rapid effort to reverse the ambulance crisis created and neglected by John Brumby over the past 11 years.” Mr. Baillieu said.

 “This will be the biggest single increase in additional staffing for the Ambulance service in the state’s history. We are going to rebuild the Ambulance service in Victoria.”

 “The Ambulance Service is in crisis under John Brumby and we are going to rebuild it with hundreds of new Paramedics.”

 “Victorians deserve the highest quality Ambulance Services and have the right to expect timely responses to Ambulance Services during Emergencies.” Mr. Baillieu said.

VIC Nationals Leader Peter Ryan

“Victoria’s Ambulance Service crisis has hit both Regional and Metropolitan Victoria. Lives are at risk because of John Brumby and Labor’s failure to properly manage Victoria’s ambulance services.” Leader of The Nationals Mr. Ryan said.

“A series of distressing and disastrous incidents have occurred throughout Victoria which has directly impacted on the safety of the community and the ability of over-stretched Ambulance Victoria officers to respond.” Mr. Ryan said.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR REGIONAL VICTORIA

The package will also provide for the recruitment of an additional 30 patient transport officers across regional Victoria, aimed at relieving the pressure on existing regional ambulance staff unavailable for emergency call outs whilst transporting patients over long distances.

Patient transport officers provide care and transport for patients. The primary objective of this role is to provide service in the transport of non-emergency, pre and post hospital patients, which will free ambulance officers and paramedics to respond to urgent call-outs.

RECRUITMENT AND RELOCATION INCENTIVE

Mr. Baillieu said the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition would undertake an urgent paramedic recruitment drive. The recruitment drive will seek additional graduate paramedics including from interstate and New Zealand and will encourage previously employed ambulance officers to return to the service.

As part of the package, the Coalition will provide $3 million for recruitment and relocation expenses to attract new paramedics to regional Victoria.

FURTHER COALITION INITIATIVES

 
The Coalition will make further announcements on Ambulance Services prior to the November Election.

The Coalition has already made a series of Health Announcements including a $1 Billion Health Infrastructure Fund, Greater Transparency on Ambulance Hospital Bypass, Hospital Early Warning System and Ramping data. The creation of an Emergency Department website to reveal key information on hospital waiting times, elective surgery and outpatient lists which the Brumby Government has kept secret and covered up from the Victorian community.

More information on Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition Policy on Hospital data reforms can be found at http://www.tedbaillieu.com.au/files/releases/100418_001.pdf
JOHN BRUMBY’S MISMANAGEMENT AND INCOMPETENCE LEADS TO CRISIS IN AMBULANCE SERVICES

 
In Opposition, Labor promised response times of ten minutes for code 1 emergencies statewide. Instead in government, Labor increased the response time to 15 minutes and has failed every year to meet even this reduced target.

• May 2010 – A man who lived less than one block from the Maryborough ambulance station died after waiting more than 38 minutes for an ambulance. A second ambulance was at the station but there were no paramedics to staff it.

• May 2010 – A five year old Gippsland boy died after waiting more than an hour for a specialist MICA response unit.

• May 2010 – A secondary school student died in Maffra waiting 27 minutes for a MICA unit to arrive when she passed out at a party.

• May 2010 – A 20 year old local football player died later in hospital after waiting 20 minutes for an ambulance to arrive in Sunbury.

• May 2010 – A 24 year old footballer in Simpson waited almost an hour to be taken to hospital after suffering a severely broken leg in an on-field collision.

• May 2010 – A 10 year old Doncaster schoolboy with a broken arm and a dislocated wrist waited more than an hour for an ambulance to arrive at his school.

• April 2010 – A Korumburra man collapsed in his home from complications related to pneumonia and pleurisy after waiting more than two hours for an ambulance to arrive.

• April 2010 – A Hamilton man endured a 30 minute wait for an ambulance before his wife was forced to drive him to hospital because the only ambulance crew in the area was on another call.

• March 2010 – Two teenagers who were bashed and bleeding had to be rushed to Geelong Hospital in the back of a police vehicle because there was no ambulance available.

• March 2010 – A man died after ploughing his car into a house in Bairnsdale after it took nearly half an hour for an ambulance to arrive.

• February 2010 – An elderly woman was forced to wait nearly two hours for an ambulance after suffering a heart attack because ‘it was a busy night’.

• Dec 2009 – A Corio man waited for an hour for an ambulance on a Sunday night with intense abdominal pain.

• Dec 2009 – A Yarrawonga woman impaled on a fence had to wait 47 minutes for an ambulance to arrive from Wangaratta (55 kilometres away). The Ambulance was not cleared to exceed the speed limit or use lights and sirens. A Graduate Ambulance Officer in Yarrawonga was refused permission to attend the scene.

• Oct 2009 – Former St Kilda Football Player Laurie Stephenson died from a heart attack in Maffra while waiting 38 minutes for a Paramedic Crew.

Western Australia Minister for Health Kim Hames

Seven new Ambulances for the Kimberley

Victor P Taffa

Derby is one of three Kimberley towns set to receive new ambulances under a $26.1 Million cash injection into regional emergency healthcare in the latest State Budget.

 Health Minister Kim Hames today visited Derby Hospital and met with local ambulance service staff to discuss the new ambulances.

 The additional resources are part of a broader $150 Million boost to ambulance services across Western Australia, which includes $26.1 Million provided under the Liberal-National Government’s Royalties for Regions program.

 “I am very pleased to be able to see first-hand how these new ambulances for Derby will assist people living in the Kimberley to receive emergency health care.” Dr. Hames said.

 The Minister said seven ambulances would be split between Derby, Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek, although distribution was yet to be finalised.  Funding had also been allocated to improve services in Wyndham.

Pilbara towns Marble Bar and Nullagine will also receive an ambulance, with an additional 25 ambulances being provided throughout the remainder of WA.

“We will also improve support for our volunteers and provide subsidies to Aboriginal communities when they require an ambulance service, which will ultimately improve health care for patients.” Dr. Hames said.

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls welcomed the opportunity to provide Royalties for Regions funding to ensure the continuation of the service in the North-West.

“This will have an impact on the lives of people living in remote WA when they are at their most vulnerable, when they are sick or injured.” Mr. Grylls said.

Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Ken Baston said the additional ambulances proved the State Government was determined to provide emergency health care to people living in remote regions of the Kimberley.

“From speaking to people in my electorate, I know how much this is appreciated by the people living in this region and I congratulate the Government for recognising this important service.” Mr. Baston said.

New South Wales Ambulance Service

Flood Waters Alert

The New South Wales Ambulance Service would like remind the community of the dangers that lurk around flood waters due to heavy rain.

Recently the Service has had to attend motorists trapped in vehicles and people swept away while trying to cross torrent like flood waters. There have also been cases of children playing in dangerous waters that unfortunately have resulted in death.

The community are reminded when around or in flood waters to always assess the risk of undertaking potentially life threatening activities. Parents should also take the opportunity to remind and teach their children of the following safety messages.

Coffs Harbour experienced flooding on 5 occasions during 2009

The Ambulance Service of NSW recommends:

• Do not play or undertake recreational activities in or around swollen estuaries/rivers, drains or flooded areas;

• When driving do not attempt to cross flooded roads or causeways.

• Carry some form of communication with you at all times in case you need Emergency assistance;

• Drive cautiously on the roads that may have been damaged by heavy rain or floods, as sides of the roads can give-way and cause a traffic hazard;

• Be mindful that pets need to be kept safe from flood waters as well;

• Take caution and do not become a victim while attempting to rescue people in trouble, instead call Triple Zero(000) and wait for emergency personnel;

• Always call Triple Zero (000) and ask for Ambulance for any medical emergency.

New South Wales Ambulance Service

New South Wales Paramedics were called to rescue a 30yo female yesterday (Tuesday 16 February 2010) after she sustained a fractured ankle canyoning in the Whungee Wheengee Canyon – Mount Wilson.

The Ambulance Service of NSW received the call around 2.30 pm. SCAT (Special Casualty Access Team) Paramedics were winched into the area and had to travel 1km down Mount Wilson to the canyon to rescue and treat the patient. Once on scene it took Paramedics several hours to get the patient back up the terrain of the area including having to abseil down and back up a waterfall.

Three SCAT Paramedics and one Police Rescue Officer decided to camp overnight and get the patient out at first light this morning as her condition was stable.

At 06.30am this morning (Wednesday 17 February 2010) Ambulance Rescue 23 winched up a SCAT Paramedic and the 30yo female patient who was taken to Westmead Hospital for further treatment.

Following this a second Ambulance Rescue Helicopter from Bankstown airlifted the injured patient’s partner and remaining rescue staff up from the camp site in Mount Wilson.

The patient is currently in a stable condition at Westmead Hospital.

New South Wales Ambulance Service

SNAKE SEASON!

Victor P Taffa

The Ambulance Service of NSW and Australian Reptile Park would like to remind

members of the community of the need to keep an eye out for snakes and spiders this summer.

Ambulance Service of NSW has responded Paramedic’s to over 20 cases of Snake Bites across NSW in the past month, perhaps reflecting the high incidence of wet, overcast but warm conditions intermingled with spells of hot dry day’s ideal conditions for the movement of many species of snakes as well as funnel-web and redback spiders.

New South Wales Ambulance Service recommends the following precautions be taken to reduce the risk of snake bite:

• If you come across a snake, leave it alone and walk away. A snake will usually not bite unless it feels threatened.
• Never touch or attempt to catch snakes (It is thought approximately 70% of snake bites occur from people trying to touch or them).
• Wear sensible, closed-in footwear when in high-risk areas.
• Be very vigilant and watch where you are walking when in areas that snakes may inhabit.
• When bushwalking remain on clearly defined designated tracks and wear long pants.

 If someone is the victim of a snake bite, call Triple Zero (000) and ask for Ambulance, remain on the line whilst details of the incident are obtained and an Ambulance is dispatched. It is important to STAY CALM!

Paramedics offer the following tips to reduce the severity of the snake bite:

• If it is safe to do so, remove the patient from risk of further injury or bites. DO NOT attempt to catch the snake!

•  Once both you and the patient are safe, apply a pressure bandage over the bite site and then wrap the bandage down to the extremities and then back up the limb. The bandage should NOT cut off circulation; it should be about the same pressure that you would apply to a sprained ankle.

• A crepe roller bandage, as used by Paramedics and available at all chemists, is the best item for use as a pressure bandage however in the bush you may need to improvise. You may need to use more than one bandage.

• If the bite is not on a limb, apply direct, firm pressure to the bite site with your hands.

• Do not remove clothing if the snake has bitten through the clothes.

• Keep the patient still and discourage them from walking around. If the bite is on a limb, splint the limb to stop any movement.

• NEVER cut or excise the wound.
• DO NOT attempt to suck the venom out.
• DO NOT apply a tourniquet, as this may complicate the injury.

New South Wales Ambulance Service recommends that all persons undertake a first aid course with an accredited agency, particularly if you are regularly involved in outdoor activities.

When calling a Ambulance it is important to provide the following information if available:

• Is the patient conscious
• Is the patient having difficulty breathing
• Is it a suspected or witnessed bite
• Does the patient have a single or multiple bites
• How, when and where was the patient bitten
• Type and timing of symptoms

Mary Rayner, General Manager of the Australian Reptile Park said “We’ve had a huge increase in the volume of snake-ID requests via our website: www.reptilepark.com.au as well as phone calls, often from distraught NSW residents seeking assurance that visiting brown snakes and the like are just passing through their properties.”

Kristie Sky from Ambulance Service of NSW said “we have recently seen an increase in the number of emergencies involving snake bites. With the weather at the moment creating ideal conditions for the movement of snakes and spiders we are urging people to take extra care when out and about sharing common territory.”

In the event of a medical emergency Dial Triple Zero (000); ask for Ambulance and remain on the line whilst details of the incident are obtained. Vital first aid information can be given to you whilst Ambulance is dispatched.

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY

NSW Ambulance Service

Look out for those BBQ mishaps on Australia Day

No doubt we will all be dusting off the BBQ tomorrow and preparing to celebrate Australia Day with a sausage in one hand or for some a lentil burger in the other.

Whilst the opportunity to come together for a good Aussie BBQ is great, there is the potential for accidents and serious injury.

Paramedics have attended a number of BBQ related accidents and some of these injuries can be very severe. In one case, a young man put an accelerant on the BBQ which then splashed onto him. He was set alight causing severe burns to his hands, leg and chest and spent months recovering from his injuries.

Tips to look out for when using your BBQ:

• Gas cylinders can be dangerous: Ensure you store them correctly when picking them up from your Hardware store/ Petrol station. Make sure they are not out of date, in good working condition and look for any leaks or unusual smells coming out of the bottle.

• Accelerants used on the BBQ are very dangerous. Never put flammable liquid onto a barbeque.

• Keep children away from hot plates and flames. Watch out for exploring little fingers near your BBQ.

 Should someone get burnt, follow these tips:

•  Remove yourself from danger away from the flames

• Call Triple Zero (000) and ask for Ambulance/ Fire Brigade

• Cool the burnt area with cool water for a minimum of 20 minutes. Cold Showers are an excellent way to cool down a burn.

• Do not put anything on the burn.

• Follow the advice of the Triple Zero (000) Ambulance operator who may give you additional first aid tips prior to paramedics arriving.

NSW Ambulance Service

Truck-Car Collision, Muswellbrook

Five people have been taken to John Hunter Hospital following a collision on the New England Highway at Muswellbrook.

Paramedics have responded to a motor vehicle collision on the New England Highway, Muswellbrook at approximately 7.40 pm. (5 January 2010)1940 hrs.

Several patients have been assessed and treated from this accident and will be transported to John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle.

The details of the patient’s condition and transportation as of 9.40 pm (5 January 2010) 2130 hrs are as follows –

• 1 Female Child with head injuries in a critical condition – JHH via Westpac Helicopter.
• 1 Female in her 30’s with head and chest injuries is in a serious condition – JHH via Westpac Helicopter.
• 1 Male Child with head and abdominal injuries in a serious condition – JHH via Road Ambulance
• 2 Female Children with spinal precautions with minor injuries – JHH via Road Ambulance

Further details will be made available as they come to hand.