WITH hot weather, when temperatures reached past 40 degrees in Kilmore and most parts of Victoria on Tuesday, January 27, Ambulance Victoria (AV) was put under the pump.
It experienced increased demand across the state last week, with call volumes rising from about 2pm on the day and remaining elevated through the afternoon and evening as extreme heat conditions persisted.
Ambulance Victoria Acting Executive Director Regional Operations Michael Georgiou said hot weather consistently results in increased overall demand on ambulance services.
There was a workload spike of almost 40 per cent recorded between 7pm and 8pm.
Paramedics’ workload in the Hume (which includes Mitchell Shire), Barwon South West and Loddon Mallee regions was up on average by 16 to 18 per cent.
AV continues to experience elevated demand across parts of the state, particularly during peak heat periods, and is monitoring workload trends as conditions continue.
Paramedics also attended seven incidents involving children locked in vehicles last week.
Mr Georgiou said Ambulance Victoria has activated surge capacity and deployed additional paramedics to support areas experiencing sustained heat and fire activity, particularly in the Hume, Barwon South West and Loddon Mallee regions.
The Victorian Government has launched its Never Leave Kids in Cars awareness campaign. The campaign reminds parents that their most precious valuables — their children — should never be left alone in the car.
In a stark warning, it said children can and do die in hot cars — and the risk is highest in summer.
Even on mild days, the temperature inside a parked car can be 20-30 degrees hotter than the temperature outside. When it is 30 degrees outside, a child could be suffering in up to 60-degree heat. The risk of heatstroke and dehydration is very real.
The campaign has called on parents to take their kids with them whenever they get out of the car, just as they do their everyday valuables, to avoid potentially tragic consequences.
