WANGARATTA paramedics' average response times to urgent emergency care incidents were 14 seconds slower over the last quarter, with only 68.5 per cent of responses within the state benchmark of 15 minutes.

According to the latest data, of Wangaratta’s 511 code one responses in the region from January to 31 March, paramedics averaged 15 minutes and 38 seconds upon arrival - up from 15 minutes and 24 seconds last quarter, when there were 614 codes one incidents.

Compared to this time last year, the rural city saw response times drop 20 seconds and a similar rate of responses were made within 15 minutes, at 68.5 per cent.

Ambulance Victoria aims to respond to 85 per cent of urgent code one incidents within 15 minutes.

Hume regional director, Narelle Capp, said there was more work to do to improve on response times.

“We continue to work with our partners to ensure our paramedics and first responders are dispatched to the right patient at the right time, and that our patients are connected with the right care to meet their needs,” she said.

“Our expert triage service of nurses and paramedics also make a real difference by connecting patients with the care they need while helping free up crews for patients in time-critical emergencies.

“From January to March, 43,858 people who did not need an emergency ambulance were instead connected to more appropriate care by paramedics and nurses in triage services.”

In the Hume region crews responded to 5451 Code 1 cases between January and March 2025, down from 5790 in the previous quarter.

The Mansfield region saw the most significant blow-out in response times of the surrounding LGAs, adding almost three minutes to their average response time this quarter at just over 26 minutes.

Alpine, Indigo, Benalla, Strathbogie and Moira shires all saw improvements in their average response times, but the Indigo Shire still holds one of the lowest rates of responses within 15 minutes across the state at just 21.8 per cent.

Ms Capp encouraged Victorians to do their part to ensure AV’s highly skilled paramedics were available for patients most in need.

“There are many options people can access when they need timely medical care and health advice but don’t need an emergency ambulance, including the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department and Urgent Care Centres,” she said.

“We know demand on our hard-working paramedics and first responders will rise as we head towards winter.

“That’s why we also urge Victorians to book in their annual flu vaccination, keep regular check-ups with your GP or specialist and stay home if unwell - we can all help to protect ourselves and people most at risk in the community.”

Ms Capp said statewide, Ambulance Victoria has welcomed 119 new paramedics, 30 Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance intern paramedics and new digital radios and iPads to all crews in regional Victoria.