Ambulance union casts doubt on ramping claims from shadow health minister

The head of the Ambulance Union has rejected claims from Georgie Crozier there were 60 ambulances ramped at Victorian hospitals on Wednesday night.

During a heated exchange with Neil Mitchell, Danny Hill confirmed a code orange was activated but ramping may not have been as serious as reported by the opposition.

“I’m guessing what the shadow minister has a copy of is the ambulance arrival summary board, which shows how many crews are at hospitals,” Danny Hill said.

“We have about 500 ambulances across the state … at any one time, 60 at hospitals is pretty low.”

Press PLAY below to hear him explain

Ambulance Victoria provided 3AW Mornings with a statement Neil Mitchell said did not address the question at hand.

Ambulance Victoria and metropolitan hospitals experienced high demand yesterday and managed the demand through our agreed escalation processes.

We would again remind all community members to save Triple Zero for emergencies – this is to ensure the sickest Victorians receive life-saving care.

Neil Mitchell asked Georgie Crozier if she knew “for certain” there were 60 ambulances were ramped on Wednesday night.

“There were ambulances ramped all across metropolitan Melbourne and I was provided information that showed there was urgent offloading and ramping was occurring,” she said in response.

Press PLAY below to hear Georgie Crozier questioned by Neil Mitchell