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01 Jul 2008

Ambulance Victoria receives first call

Victoria’s new statewide ambulance service officially commenced service today.

The first case responded to by the new service was a call for a fall in Wangaratta just after midnight.

Ambulance Victoria CEO, Greg Sassella, said that for the public things will not appear much different but the new service means more paramedics and ambulances and improved sharing of information systems, knowledge and skills.

‘People will still call 000 and an ambulance will respond if needed,’ Mr Sassella said.

‘For the community though this new service means the unique skills from the regional and metropolitan services can be better shared, there are more opportunities for our paramedics and ultimately a better level of ambulance care for all Victorians.

‘Over time we will reorganise ourselves to ensure that we really maximise this opportunity and ensure we do the best job we can for the community in all aspects of our work,’ Mr Sassella said.

Ambulance Victoria was formed by the merger of the Metropolitan Ambulance Service, Rural Ambulance Victoria and the Alexandria and District Ambulance Service. It was announced by the Premier and Health Minister as part of a $185.7m funding package in this years budget.