Ambulance Victoria#Helicopters

{{See also|Ambulance services of Victoria}}

A formal ambulance service began in Victoria in 1883. Over the years services were provided by St John Ambulance, Civil Ambulance Service and a multitude local area ambulance services.

In the 1980s the Metropolitan Ambulance Service was formed from a number of smaller area services; and 16 regional services were amalgamated into five. In 1997, the rural services were consolidated to one rural service, Rural Ambulance Victoria.

On 22 April 2008, Premier John Brumby and Health Minister Daniel Andrews announced a record funding boost of over $185m, including two new helicopter services, 26 new ambulance stations and over 300 new paramedics. In addition, it was announced that the way the state's ambulance services work was to be changed with Metropolitan Ambulance Service and Rural Ambulance Victoria becoming one organisation, Ambulance Victoria. On 26 May this decision was confirmed, with the consolidated service commencing operation on 1 July 2008.{{cite press release|title=$185.7 million boost to Victorian Ambulance Services |url=https://hnb.dhs.vic.gov.au/web/pubaff/medrel.nsf/LinkView/716B4D46FE3E8136CA25743300809730?OpenDocument|access-date=10 December 2016|publisher=Department of Human Services|date=22 April 2008}}{{cite press release|title=Ambulance Victoria to lead the way |url=https://hnb.dhs.vic.gov.au/web/pubaff/medrel.nsf/LinkView/0F18D0D8D0F66928CA257456000DF016?OpenDocument|access-date=10 December 2016|publisher=Department of Human Services|date=26 May 2008}}{{cite press release|title=Ambulance Victoria new statewide ambulance service |url=http://www.rav.vic.gov.au/Communications/News-updates/Ambulance-Victoria-new-statewide-ambulance-service.html |publisher=Rural Ambulance Victoria|date=3 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110327044515/http://www.rav.vic.gov.au/Communications/News-updates/Ambulance-Victoria-new-statewide-ambulance-service.html|archive-date=27 March 2011}}

Ambulance Victoria is required under the Ambulance Services Act 1986 (Vic) to respond rapidly to requests for help in a medical emergency; provide specialised medical skills to maintain life and to reduce injuries in emergency situations and while transporting patients; provide specialised transport facilities to move people requiring emergency medical treatment; provide services for which specialised medical or transport skills are necessary and foster public education in first aid.{{cite web|title=Ambulance Services Act 1986 (Victoria)|url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/asa1986176/|website=Austlii}}

Ambulance Victoria's primary function is to respond to emergency incidents and its secondary function is medical transport (non-emergency) requests. Emergency Incidents are responded to by paramedics, Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedics, Air Ambulance paramedics and if in a regional area also by Ambulance Community Officers (ACO) employed on a casual basis and volunteer Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) or by Remote Area Nurse (RAN) from a bush hospital.{{cite web|title=Types of Paramedics|url=http://ambulance.vic.gov.au/paramedics/types-of-paramedics/|website=Ambulance Victoria|access-date=10 December 2016}}{{cite web|title=We Love Our Volunteers|url=http://ambulance.vic.gov.au/community-education/volunteers/|website=Ambulance Victoria|access-date=10 December 2016}}{{cite web|title=Remote Area Nurse Training|url=http://www.rav.vic.gov.au/Training/Remote-Area-Nurse-Training.html|website=Rural Ambulance Victoria |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110327024659/http://www.rav.vic.gov.au/Training/Remote-Area-Nurse-Training.html|archive-date=27 March 2011}} Ambulance Victoria has more than 260 ambulance branches located across Victoria.{{cite web| title=Victoria's Ambulance Action Plan - Improving Services, Saving Lives - Final Report| date=December 2015 |url=https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/Api/downloadmedia/%7B883C8C60-7127-46AF-874D-0D9833DBDB7C%7D| access-date=10 December 2016| publisher=Department of Health and Human Services, Victorian Government}}{{cite web|title=Branches|url=http://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/Ambulance-Victoria/Operations/Branches.html| website=Ambulance Victoria| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320224230/http://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/Ambulance-Victoria/Operations/Branches.html|archive-date=20 March 2012}}

In 2015–2016, Ambulance Victoria's workforce was 3,438 paramedics and 578 MICA paramedics. In addition, Ambulance Victoria employed 723 casual ACO and there were 357 CERT volunteers.

In the same year, Ambulance Victoria responded to 843,051 emergency and non-emergency cases including 172,960 emergency road incidents in the five rural regions, 416,887 emergency road incidents in the two metropolitan regions and 4,556 emergency air incidents (2,033 by helicopter and 2,523 by plane).

Ambulance Victoria assesses each emergency incident on receipt of the 000 call, designating the incident a code depending on the urgency/severity, and publishes its response times for each quarter of the year on the internet.{{Cite web|url=http://ambulance.vic.gov.au/about-us/our-performance/|title=Our Performance – Ambulance Victoria|website=ambulance.vic.gov.au|access-date=2016-10-13}}

Ambulance Victoria operates a Bicycle Response Unit in pre-planned operations for public events in Melbourne with large crowds.{{cite web|title=Bicycle Response Units |url=http://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/Paramedics/Our-Vehicles/Bicycle-Response-Unit.html |website=Ambulance Victoria |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150305014024/http://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/Paramedics/Our-Vehicles/Bicycle-Response-Unit.html|archive-date=5 March 2015}} The unit was established in the lead up to the 2006 Commonwealth Games.{{cite web|title=Bicycle Response Unit|url=http://www.mas.vic.gov.au/Main-home/Paramedics/Vehicles/Bicycle-Response-Unit.html|website=Metropolitan Ambulance Service|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080722024327/http://www.mas.vic.gov.au/Main-home/Paramedics/Vehicles/Bicycle-Response-Unit.html|archive-date=22 July 2008}}

In 2012, a Paramedic Motorcycle Unit was trialled in inner city Melbourne operating two Piaggio MP3 three wheeled motorbikes.{{cite news|last1=O'Connell|first1=Brigid|title=Motorcycle ambulances provide a rough ride for paramedics|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/motorcycle-ambulances-provide-a-rough-ride-for-paramedics/news-story/e5c11f41a3126f0351367cd55edb8db3|access-date=10 December 2016|work=Herald Sun|date=1 December 2012}}{{cite news|last1=van den Berg|first1=Lucie|title=Ambulance Victoria motorbikes taken off the road following crash as brakes failed|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/ambulance-victoria-motorbikes-taken-off-the-road-following-crash-as-brakes-failed/news-story/e6318391a6005e57d4cf9c92c192498d|access-date=10 December 2016|work=Herald Sun|date=3 January 2013}}{{cite press release|title=Victoria's first Motorcycle Paramedic Unit|url=http://www3.health.vic.gov.au/news/motorcycle_paramedic.htm|access-date=10 December 2016|publisher=Department of Health & Human Services|date=2 December 2011}}{{cite news|last1=Rolfe|first1=Peter|title=Motorbike medics to hit the streets|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/archive/news/motorbike-medics-to-hit-the-streets/news-story/da457d5e4782a6c0baafda435cf61649|access-date=10 December 2016|work=Herald Sun|date=30 October 2011}} The trial was successful with the BMW F700GS motorcycle selected to be the unit's motorcycle to operate in the inner Melbourne area mainly in the councils of City of Melbourne and City of Port Phillip.{{cite web|title=Our Paramedic Motorcycle Unit in action|url=http://ambulance.vic.gov.au/our-paramedic-motorcycle-unit-in-action/|website=Ambulance Victoria|access-date=10 December 2016|date=31 March 2016}}{{citation|title=Ambulance Victoria to use BMW F700GS for emergency response|author=Paul Riley|publisher=Skill Master Motorcycle Services|work=Observations of a Perpetual Motorcyclist (blog)|date=July 8, 2013|url=http://observationsofaperpetualmotorcyclist.com/2013/07/08/ambulance-victoria-to-use-bmw-f700gs-for-emergency-response/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719144455/http://observationsofaperpetualmotorcyclist.com/2013/07/08/ambulance-victoria-to-use-bmw-f700gs-for-emergency-response/|archive-date=2013-07-19|access-date=2016-12-10|url-status=dead}}

Ambulance Victoria's emergency and non-emergency patient transport communications are handled by Triple Zero Victoria communication centres in Ballarat, East Burwood and Docklands.{{cite web |title=Triple Zero Victoria |url=https://esf.com.au/about-us/member-agencies/esta/ |website=Emergency Services Foundation |access-date=January 9, 2025 }}

Ambulance communications functions include 000 Emergency call-taking, non-emergency patient transport requests, and ambulance dispatch for emergency and non-emergency vehicles. Modern emergency services communications is highly advanced, and communications staff use a wide range of technologies including digital and analogue radio, telephones, pagers, and advanced computer and GPS systems. Many emergency services vehicles, including ambulances, are fitted with mobile data terminals that enable them to view information, read messages sent by call-takers and dispatchers, and be notified of updates immediately as they become available. A number of communication services used by Ambulance Victoria, such as digital radio and mobile data terminals, are not available outside metropolitan Melbourne.{{cite web|title=Resource Management|url=http://www.mas.vic.gov.au/Main-home/Paramedics/Communication-Technology/Resource-Management.html|website=Metropolitan Ambulance Service|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080722010529/http://www.mas.vic.gov.au/Main-home/Paramedics/Communication-Technology/Resource-Management.html|archive-date=22 July 2008}}

Ambulance Victoria operates a range of vehicles:{{cite web|title=Ambulance Stretcher Vehicles|url=http://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/Paramedics/Our-Vehicles/Stretcher-vehicles.html|website=Ambulance Victoria|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160229150353/http://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/Paramedics/Our-Vehicles/Stretcher-vehicles.html|archive-date=29 February 2016}}{{cite web|title=Ambulance Single Response Units (SRU)|url=http://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/Paramedics/Our-Vehicles/Single-Responder.html|website=Ambulance Victoria|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312184858/http://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/Paramedics/Our-Vehicles/Single-Responder.html|archive-date=12 March 2016}}

• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (General Ambulance/MICA Ambulance/Patient Transport/CPAV/Adult Retrieval/Mobile Stroke Unit)
• Ford Territory (Single responder/MICA Single responder)
• Toyota Kluger (MICA Support + Single Responder)
• Volkswagen Amarok (MICA Support + Single responder)
• Volkswagen Transporter (Health Command)
• Volkswagen Crafter (Patient Transport)
• BMW F700GS motorcycles (Paramedic Motorcycle Unit)
• Honda Odyssey (Medical transport for walking patients – Clinical Services)
• Toyota Land Cruiser (MICA Support + Single Responder)
• Mercedes Vito (MICA Support/Single Responder/Adult Retrieval)

File:Ambulance Victoria (cropped).jpg|Mercedes Benz Sprinter ambulance

File:2004-2008 Ford Territory TX wagon (Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance) 01.jpg|Ford Territory Mobile Intensive Care Paramedic (MICA)

File:Paramedics on motorcycles.jpg|Paramedic motorcycle units

Their most common vehicle is the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. This vehicle is the frontline vehicle for all of Victoria as they carry one patient at a time with loads of medical equipment, which is usually staffed by two paramedics. There are also different models including models with bull bars/push bumpers for better use in rural areas. AV also operates Mobile Intensive Care Ambulances which are staffed by more specially trained paramedics and different equipment. They also operate Non-Emergency Patient Transport Ambulances (NEPT) and Clinical Transport Services units (CTS). For more complex patients, AV has Complex Patient Ambulance Vehicles (CPAV) and Adult Retrieval Services (AR) both are similar to the standard general ambulances. The CPAV units include a lift platform at the back instead of regular doors, the AR unit has more specialist equipment.

Introduced in 2017, AV teamed up with The Royal Melbourne Hospital, the Stroke Foundation and numerous other agencies to create a $7 Million Mobile Stroke Unit Ambulance (MSU). The state-of-the-art vehicle include specialist equipment tailored to stroke patients. In the ambulance is a built-in CT-Scanner.{{cite web |title=Mobile Stroke Units |url=https://strokefoundation.org.au/What-we-do/Research/Stroke%20Ambulance |website=strokefoundation.org.au |access-date=2025-03-03}} Two paramedics staff the ambulance (including a MICA paramedic), a CT radiographer, a stroke neurologist and a stroke nurse specialist. The first MSU is currently running as car 6600. In 2020, it was announced that AV would commence building a next generation Stroke Ambulance otherwise known as MSU-2 {{cite web | url=https://www.thermh.org.au/news/next-generation-mobile-stroke-unit-under-development | title=Next-generation Mobile Stroke Unit under development }}

Ambulance Victoria has a fleet of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft operated by Air Ambulance Victoria (AAV) based out of Essendon Airport in Melbourne with helicopters strategically placed in regional Victoria. In addition, the helicopters respond to search and rescue incidents, able to utilise the winch, including sea rescues.

File:Australian Helicopters (VH-YXJ), operated for Ambulance Victoria, AgustaWestland AW139 taxiing at Wagga Wagga Airport.jpg

AAV operates five twin engine AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters provided by Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia.{{cite news|title=Australian Helicopters awarded new Vic air ambulance contract|url=http://australianaviation.com.au/2014/04/australian-helicopters-awarded-vic-ambo-contract/|access-date=10 December 2016|work=Australian Aviation|date=28 April 2014}}{{cite web |title=Delivering solutions for Ambulance Victoria |url=https://www.babcock.com.au/case-study/ambulance-victoria/ |website=Babcock Australasia |date=22 February 2019 |access-date=12 October 2019}}{{cite press release |title=LCI Helicopters to Lease Six AW139s to Australian Helicopter|url=https://www.lciaviation.com/media/news-views/lci-helicopters-to-lease-six-aw139s-to-australian-helicopters/ |website=LCI |access-date=12 October 2019 |date=26 February 2015}} The helicopters were introduced from 2016 to replace the four Bell 412EP helicopters and also one Eurocopter AS365N3 Dauphin helicopter that had been operated in partnership with the Victoria Police Air Wing.{{cite press release|author1=Minister for Ambulance Services|title=New Air Ambulance Helicopter On Show|url=http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-air-ambulance-helicopter-on-show/|website=Premier of Victoria|access-date=23 January 2017|date=29 July 2015}}{{cite web|title=Air Ambulance Helicopters|url=http://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/Paramedics/Our-Vehicles/Air-ambulance-helicopter.html|website=Ambulance Victoria|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160229150408/http://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/Paramedics/Our-Vehicles/Air-ambulance-helicopter.html|archive-date=29 February 2016}}

The helicopters are designated HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) and operate throughout the state:-

• HEMS 1 based at Essendon Airport.
• HEMS 2 based at La Trobe Valley Airport.
• HEMS 3 based at Bendigo Airport.
• HEMS 4 based at Warrnambool Airport.
• HEMS 5 is for primary response and specialist medical retrieval based at Essendon Airport.

Helicopter operations commenced in 1970 with a Bell 206A JetRanger known as the 'Angel of Mercy' based on the Mornington Peninsula operated from Tyabb Airport.{{cite web|title=Angel of Mercy|url=http://colacambulance.com.au/angel.htm|website=Colac Ambulance|access-date=23 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308101033/http://colacambulance.com.au/angel.htm|archive-date=8 March 2017|url-status=dead}} In 1980, a Hughes 500D was operated in the La Trobe Valley, later a Bell 206 Long Ranger and from 1985 a Bell 412 known as Helimed 1 later renamed to HEMS 2.{{cite web|title=HEMS 2|url=http://colacambulance.com.au/HEMS%202.htm|website=Colac Ambulance|access-date=23 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308101549/http://colacambulance.com.au/HEMS%202.htm|archive-date=8 March 2017|url-status=dead}} In 1986, AAV entered a partnership with the Victoria Police Air Wing to use a Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin which would respond to both police and ambulance incidents with ambulance given priority known as HEMS 1 and replacing the 'Angel of Mercy'. Two helicopters were configured for the aeromedical role with one as a spare.{{cite web|title=HEMS 1|url=http://colacambulance.com.au/HEMS%201.htm|website=Colac Ambulance|access-date=23 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308102224/http://colacambulance.com.au/HEMS%201.htm|archive-date=2017-03-08|url-status=dead}} In 2001, a Bell 412EP was operated from Bendigo airport known as HEMS 3.{{cite web|title=HEMS 3|url=http://colacambulance.com.au/HEMS%203.htm|website=Ambulance Victoria|access-date=23 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202072750/http://colacambulance.com.au/HEMS%203.htm|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=dead}} In 2009, a Bell 412EP was operated from Warrnambool Airport known as HEMS 4 and a second Bell 412EP was operated from Essendon known as HEMS 5 to transport critically ill patients from rural hospitals to Melbourne.{{cite web|title=HEMS 4|url=http://colacambulance.com.au/HEMS%204.htm|website=Colac Ambulance|access-date=23 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202072758/http://colacambulance.com.au/HEMS%204.htm|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=HEMS 5|url=http://colacambulance.com.au/HEMS%205.htm|website=Colac Ambulance|access-date=23 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202072643/http://colacambulance.com.au/HEMS%205.htm|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=dead}} In January 2017, the final of the five new AgustaWestland AW139s entered service replacing the Victoria Police Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin and ending the partnership.{{cite press release|title=New era on the horizon for Air Ambulance|url=http://ambulance.vic.gov.au/new-era-on-the-horizon-for-air-ambulance/|website=Ambulance Victoria|access-date=23 January 2017|date=13 January 2017}} The aircraft are staffed by MICA Flight Paramedics who are trained to administer blood, conduct ultrasounds, complete complex procedures and perform winch rescues.{{cite press release |title=First female MICA Flight Paramedics qualify with Ambulance Victoria |url=https://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/first-female-mica-flight-paramedics-qualify-with-ambulance-victoria/ |website=Ambulance Victoria |access-date=12 October 2019 |date=3 May 2019}}

AAV has operated four Beechcraft Super King Air B200s, provided by Pel-Air Aviation, from its Essendon headquarters since 2011 and can reach most of Victoria within an hour.{{cite press release |title=Pel-Air contract extension with Ambulance Victoria |url=http://www.rex.com.au/MediaRelease/Files/580_MR24062019-Pel-AirContractExtensionwithAmbulanceVictoria.pdf |website=Regional Express |access-date=9 October 2019 |date=24 June 2019}}{{cite press release |title=Victorias new air ambulance planes set to take off|url=http://www3.health.vic.gov.au/news/air_ambulance2.htm|website=Department of Health & Human Services|access-date=12 October 2019|date=16 June 2011}} They are used mainly for transporting patients from rural towns to the major hospitals in Melbourne and can carry two stretcher patients and two walking patients. This service includes bringing people to Melbourne for regular treatments such as oncology and dialysis while also facilitating acute medical conditions requiring surgery or the transfer of injured patients from rural hospitals to specialist care. The service now reaches to more than 86 towns within Victoria while also servicing southern New South Wales, northern Tasmania and some parts of South Australia.{{cite web|title=Air Ambulances|url=http://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/Paramedics/Our-Vehicles/Aeroplanes.html|website=Ambulance Victoria|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160229150402/http://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/Paramedics/Our-Vehicles/Aeroplanes.html|archive-date=29 February 2016}}{{cite web|title=Air Ambulance|url=http://ambulance.vic.gov.au/about-us/our-services/air-ambulance/|website=Ambulance Victoria|access-date=10 December 2016}} The aircraft are typically staffed by advanced life support (ALS) paramedics.{{cite press release |title=Fixed Wing Aircraft fleet ticks over 40,000 flying hours |url=https://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/fixed-wing-aircraft-fleet-ticks-over-40000-flying-hours/ |website=Ambulance Victoria |access-date=12 October 2019 |date=7 May 2019}}

File:Pel-Air Aviation, contracted for Ambulance Victoria, (VH-VAI) Raytheon Beech Super King Air B200C taxiing at Avalon Airport during the 2019 Australian International Airshow (2).jpg|Beechcraft B200C King Air operated by Pel-Air at Avalon Airport

File:Pel-Air, operated for Ambulance Victoria, (VH-VAE) Beechcraft B200CGT King Air 260C at Wagga Wagga Airport.jpg|Beechcraft B260C King Air

On 23 March 2016, the Victorian Auditor-General tabled a damning report into "Bullying and Harassment in the Health Sector". Ambulance Victoria was one of four Government Health Bodies that was audited as part of this report.

As part of the audit, the Auditor General looked at the background of the issue, workplace culture, preventing bullying and harassment, responding to bullying and harassment and sector-wide collaboration and support.[https://www.audit.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/20160323-Bullying.pdf Bullying] vic.gov.au

Key findings from the audit included:

1. "[Dr Peter Frost – Victorian Auditor-General] found that health sector agencies are failing to respond effectively to bullying and harassment as a serious OHS risk."
2. "... The audited agencies do not understand the extent, causes or impact of bullying and harassment in their respective organisations, even when such issues have resulted in significant media attention and reputational damage."
3. "Audited agencies also do not have the fundamental, underpinning foundations of effective policies and procedures, and do not adequately train their staff and managers to deal with inappropriate behaviours to prevent them escalating into serious bullying and harassment."
4. "... when issues become serious bullying and harassment matters these agencies do not have the appropriate procedures to manage them or document the details to help inform future planning and action."

On 15 March 2016, chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr Ken Lay, AO, APM, acknowledged of the Audit and committed the Organisation to accepting all the recommendations of the Audit through the Ambulance and Policy Consultative Committee.{{Cite web|title=Bullying and Harassment in the Health Sector|url=https://www.audit.vic.gov.au/report/bullying-and-harassment-health-sector|access-date=2022-02-20|website=Victorian Auditor-General's Office|language=en}} Part of Mr Lay's response included "achieve[ing] sustainable culture change within Ambulance Victoria."

On 26 October 2020, Allegations of widespread bullying, harassment and gross misconduct were public reported by The Age after 13 Paramedics raised an open letter to Mr Ken Lay, chairman of the board of directors.{{Cite web|last=Tuohy|first=Wendy|date=2020-10-26|title=Sex discrimination and harassment widespread in Ambulance Victoria, say paramedics|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/sex-discrimination-and-harassment-widespread-in-ambulance-victoria-say-paramedics-20201025-p568h5.html|access-date=2022-02-20|website=The Age|language=en}}

The Age noted that:

• Paramedics reported "active discrimination and instances of abuse in our workplace".
• The "fear of retribution is rife and stops people speaking up about what they have seen".
• "sex-based maltreatment and the lack of redress has caused them serious mental health issues, including suicidal ideation."
• "12 Ambulance Victoria employees have reported rape or attempted rape or sexual assault at work, and two men have been referred to Victoria Police by the organisation for the alleged sexual assault of colleagues."{{Cite web|last=Tuohy|first=Wendy|date=2021-11-29|title=Half of paramedics report bullying, some allege rape and sexual assault at work|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/half-of-paramedics-report-bullying-some-allege-rape-and-sexual-assault-at-work-20211124-p59brf.html|access-date=2022-02-21|website=The Age|language=en}}

On 27 October 2020, the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission announced that it had been asked to conduct a review into allegations of unlawful, discriminatory behaviour at Ambulance Victoria by. On 30 November 2020, The Commission released the terms of reference for its review of Ambulance Victoria.[https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au/static/1a5bbe1046a5ebd49326e657f8f80e49/Terms-of-Reference-Endorsed-by-AV-Board-30-November-2020-002.pdf Terms of Reference Endorsed by AV Board 30 November 2020] Throughout the process, the commission has provided public updates regarding the review.

On 20 September 2021, The commission announced that the review would be released in two Volumes "in large part due to the higher than anticipated number of people who came forward to share their experiences and views with the Commission."{{Cite web|title=Ambulance Victoria review – Update 10 (20 September 2021)|url=https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au/news/ambulance-victoria-review-update-10-20-september-2021/|access-date=2022-02-21|website=Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission|language=en-au}}

• Volume 1 was released on 30 November 2021.
• Volume 2 is set to be published in March 2022.

Volume 1 was released on 30 November 2021 by The commission.{{Cite web|title=Ambulance Victoria review – Update 12 (19 November 2021)|url=https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au/news/ambulance-victoria-review-update-13-30-november-2021-2/|access-date=2022-02-21|website=Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission|language=en-au}}

Key Themes noted by The Commissions included;

• "...AV's approach to preventing discrimination, sexual harassment, bullying and victimisation is still maturing and it is not complying fully with the positive duty in the Act."{{Cite web|title=Ambulance Victoria review – Update 12 (19 November 2021)|url=https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au/news/ambulance-victoria-review-update-13-30-november-2021-2/|access-date=2022-02-21|website=Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission|language=en-au}}
• "47.2% of survey respondents reported experiencing discrimination, 17.4% reported experiencing sexual harassment, 52.4% reported experiencing bullying and 34.5% reporting experiencing victimisation"
• "We [The Commission] commonly heard that mental ill-health and stress followed unlawful conduct."
• "one participant shared in their written submission: 'Who would’ve guessed the most traumatic thing I’ve experienced and witnessed as a [P]aramedic was workplace behaviour?'"

1. establishing an independent restorative engagement scheme
2. adopting a new set of organisational values
3. developing a comprehensive prevention plan
4. establishing a new organisational model for responding to reports and complaints
5. introducing anonymous reporting pathways
6. undertaking a security audit of isolated work environments
7. embedding a more structured approach to encouraging bystander action

On 30 November 2021, The Commission noted that Ambulance Victoria had accepted all recommendations.

Volume 2 was released in March 2022 by the Commission.

On 29 November 2021, almost a one-year after the allegations were first publicly raised, a number of Ambulance Victoria Employees, had reported that "in some cases victimisation has worsened since the inquiry began."{{Cite web|last=Tuohy|first=Wendy|date=2021-11-29|title=Paramedics still feel 'suicidal' due to bullying despite human rights inquiry|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/paramedics-still-feel-suicidal-due-to-bullying-despite-human-rights-inquiry-20211129-p59d1m.html|access-date=2022-02-21|website=The Age|language=en}} The Age also reported that "[One] person is well known to the executive level as a problem, for at least 10 years. He is a direct threat ... but management are not listening."

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