Easing Australia’s Ambulance Crisis with Nurse-Led Alarm Services

Australia’s ambulance ramping crisis is making headlines again, with a recent Hello Leaders article reporting record wait times in South Australia and Western Australia. In July alone, South Australians spent more than 5,800 hours waiting in ambulances, while Western Australians endured over 7,000 hours on the tarmac before being admitted to hospital. Health leaders are pointing to a system under extreme strain, with not enough beds, an ageing population, and growing demand on emergency departments.   



Health leaders are pointing to a system under extreme strain, with not enough beds, an ageing population, and growing demand on emergency departments. As WA’s Medical Association President, Dr Kyle Hoath, put it: “People are more unwell because they’re not getting the care they need at the right time.”

At INS LifeGuard, that is exactly where we step in.

Early Intervention: Avoiding Unnecessary Ambulance Calls

Our unique point of difference is that every alarm raised through an INS LifeGuard personal medical alarm or the INS LifeGuardian® app is answered by a highly qualified nurse. Unlike generic call centres and standard medical alert systems, our nurse-led triage service can assess the situation in real time.

If it’s a true emergency, we dispatch an ambulance immediately. But often, our nurses can provide clinical advice or reassurance that avoids an unnecessary trip to the hospital. Even if you just “don’t feel right”, pressing your in-home device, pendant or using the app connects you directly to a nurse who can advise you on the safest next steps.

This approach helps reduce ambulance call-outs, prevents avoidable hospital admissions, and gives people the confidence to live independently with support always available.

Proactive Health Monitoring: Catching Problems Early

The INS LifeGuardian® telehealth monitoring is available for both iOS and Android smartphones integrated with wearables. Apple Watch and Android Wear OS devices offer advanced health tracking features, providing powerful tools to help monitor your wellbeing.

• Vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure can be recorded and reviewed by our nurses.
  
• Out-of-range results trigger an automatic alert and follow-up.
  
• Monthly nurse reviews identify trends and catch issues before they escalate.

This proactive approach means more Australians can manage their health at home, reducing the risk of emergency hospital admissions and easing demand on emergency departments.

A Free Lifeline: Medical Information & Nurse Chat Line

Every INS LifeGuard client has access to our Medical Information and Nurse Chat Line. This 24/7 service ensures you always have a qualified healthcare professional available not just in emergencies, but for everyday reassurance.

Our nurses provide:

• Clinical advice and health information
  
• Symptom checks and triage
  
• Guidance if you’re unsure whether to call an ambulance
  
• Friendly support if you’re feeling anxious or unwell
  
  

This is more than a monitoring service; it’s a trusted nurse-led support line that helps people avoid unnecessary emergency visits.

Supporting Hospitals and Aged Care with a Nurse-Led Solution

As governments debate who should shoulder responsibility, INS LifeGuard is already delivering solutions that support aged care providers, retirement villages, and the wider health system.

Our nurse-led triage service and telehealth monitoring technology help:

• Reduce unnecessary emergency call-outs
  
• Monitor health trends for early intervention
  
• Provide 24/7 access to qualified healthcare professionals
  
• Support aged care residents, seniors living independently, and people with disability

By preventing avoidable ambulance trips and hospital admissions, we’re helping to relieve pressure on an overstretched health system.

Conclusion

Ambulance ramping isn’t just about hospital bed numbers; it’s about ensuring people get the right care at the right time. With INS LifeGuard’s personal medical alarms in Australia, combined with our telehealth monitoring and nurse-led triage services, Australians have access to immediate, professional support that helps prevent emergencies, reduces unnecessary hospital visits, and supports a healthcare system under strain.

To learn how INS LifeGuard can support you, your family, or your organisation, call 1800 636 040 or visit inslifeguard.com.au.