Warm weather and a public holiday long weekend have led to an influx of patients seeking emergency help, resulting in an alert being activated for a state's ambulance service.
Ambulance Victoria activated a code orange alert on Saturday night for the Melbourne and Geelong areas following a significant increase in demand for services, about five to 10 per cent higher than expected.
There were more than 100 emergency cases that the service had expected to receive, chief executive Jordan Emery said.
"In part, that's been driven by the spring carnival festivities and the warmer weather, with more Victorians out and about enjoying the warm weather," he said.
Alcohol consumption and related harms increased due to the spring carnival festivities, while elderly people and those with pre-existing medical conditions were more vulnerable to the heat.
"Yesterday we saw an increase in fainting-type episodes, more than we would ordinarily expect, and the heat, dehydration and alcohol consumption are all drivers behind some of that increased activity," he said.
The code orange, which signalled a surge in demand, was formally stood down on Sunday morning, but Mr Emery said the alert didn't continue throughout the night.
"It was particularly accentuated between 11pm and midnight last night, but we maintained the code orange through until 8am because it's a very significant process, and we try and minimise disruption to our people overnight by only standing down the code orange in the morning," he said.
Mr Emery said there had been no reports of any harm related to the alert being activated, only that people have had to wait longer for an ambulance.
A portion of those patients could have accessed healthcare through Victoria's virtual emergency department, their general practitioner, an urgent care centre or a pharmacy, he added.
Ambulance Victoria periodically activates the alert, including during winter when respiratory illness and influenza cause increased demand on ambulance services.
"They are something that are not unfamiliar to Ambulance Victoria and our Emergency Management Unit," Mr Emery said.
There is a system-wide structure in place to help free up ambulances, supported by triage teams and other health options, including virtual help services.
"This is not just about putting more ambulances on roads," the ambulance chief said.
Government minister Sonya Kilkenny said it was a really busy night for paramedics and emergency services when the alert was activated.
She said the government had invested $58 million into emergency departments.
"I would also remind Victorians to please leave triple zero for emergencies, and if it's not an emergency, consider one of many other alternative arrangements," she said.
