In Victoria, Australia, recent data reveals that only 64.9% of Code 1 cases met the 15-minute response target from October to December, a decline from the previous quarter. The state’s Health Minister has introduced new benchmarks requiring hospitals to offload 90% of ambulance patients within 40 minutes and return paramedics to the road within 20 […]
Victorian Ambulance Response Times Under Scrutiny Read More »
To reduce response times for emergency calls, NHS England has advised ambulance services to adopt a “drop and go” system, following its success in London. This policy instructs paramedics to leave patients in hospital corridors after 45 minutes if necessary, allowing ambulances to respond to new emergencies more quickly. While the approach has improved response
NHS England Implements ‘Drop and Go’ Policy for Ambulances Read More »
Ambulance crews in Cambridgeshire, UK, are trialing innovative finger-prick blood tests designed to diagnose large vessel occlusions (LVO), a severe type of stroke. These tests, similar to COVID-19 lateral flow tests, have demonstrated 90% accuracy within 15 minutes. Rapid identification of LVO strokes is crucial, as timely treatment can significantly improve recovery prospects. The tests
Cambridgeshire Trials Rapid Stroke Diagnosis Tests Read More »
Emergency departments (EDs) in South Australia have come under criticism, with allegations that clinicians are being directed to prioritize ambulance arrivals over patients already waiting in EDs. Bernadette Mulholland of the SA Salaried Medical Officers Association described the situation as resembling “the Hunger Games,” where clinicians compete to prioritize patient care amidst administrative pressures. Health
South Australia’s Emergency Departments Under Scrutiny Read More »
The role of paramedics has evolved significantly over the past few decades, particularly in the Western world. Advances in medical training, scope of practice, and integration within healthcare systems have transformed paramedics from simple transport providers to highly skilled emergency care practitioners. The United Kingdom and Ireland serve as prime examples of how paramedic practice
