UPDATE: Ambulance response times for critical emergencies in Wyndham have risen sharply, according to alarming new data from Ambulance Victoria (AV). The latest performance figures for the first quarter of the 2025-26 period reveal that the average response time to code one calls surged to 15 minutes and 28 seconds from 15 minutes and 5 seconds just three months prior.
This uptick in response times is concerning, especially as code one emergencies, which include life-threatening incidents like cardiac arrests and severe trauma, are often critical to patient survival. The percentage of these urgent calls responded to in under the benchmark of 15 minutes fell to 64.3 percent, slightly outperforming the state average of 64.1 percent.
Even with the increased response times, AV noted that the number of total incidents responded to in Wyndham increased from 3,659 in the previous quarter to 3,732 between June and September. This rise in demand places additional pressure on an already strained emergency response system.
AV’s metropolitan regional director, Jessica McGowan, acknowledged the ongoing challenges facing the service. “The state’s growing demand is evident,” she stated. “Rising call volumes and hospital handover delays are key pressures across our network. Every small improvement, from more efficient handovers to quicker clearing times, adds up to better care for all Victorians.”
The implications of these delays are significant, as timely medical response is crucial for survival in emergencies. As Wyndham grapples with these rising response times, the community is left to ponder the impact on patient outcomes in critical situations.
Authorities are calling for urgent measures to address these challenges. With the increase in both response times and incident volumes, it is essential for AV to implement strategies that enhance efficiency and improve response capabilities.
As this situation develops, residents of Wyndham and surrounding areas are encouraged to stay informed and advocate for improvements in emergency services. The community’s health and safety depend on swift action to ensure that help arrives when it is needed the most.
Stay tuned for further updates on this pressing issue as officials work to address the growing demands on the ambulance service in Wyndham.
