The ongoing health crisis has reached new levels after a young woman suffering an anaphylactic reaction was sent a fire truck instead of an ambulance in Bendigo recently.
The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad praised firefighters for attending, but said the young woman was surprised and confused to see the fire crew.
According to Fire Rescue Victoria, Emergency Medical Response trained firefighters are currently first on scene at approximately 50 per cent of calls.
“If you call an ambulance, you don’t expect to get a fire truck. It just demonstrates how much pressure our health system is under,” Ms Broad said.
Ms Broad said the incident reflected systemic problems with the health system.
“In Wodonga, Shepparton and Bendigo paramedics are wasting valuable time waiting for a hospital bed to become available. I see ambulances ramped regularly at Bendigo Health.
“Recently there were eight ambulances ramped, including one from Woodend, one from Echuca and Castlemaine’s only ambulance.”
Ms Broad said residents had also told her of taxis being despatched to pick up patients when ambulances were not available.
Ms Broad said despite this, the Minister for Health has asked hospitals across the state to cut their budgets.
“According to news reports Bendigo Health is seeking to reduce their budget by $120 million, and many regional hospitals have been asked to cut their funding, in some cases by over 30 per cent.
“What is the state government doing to manage the crisis in our health system to ensure that paramedics are available to support those who need emergency assistance?
“The Labor Government can’t manage money, can’t manage basic health care and Victorian patients are paying the price.”
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
