Victoria’s embattled ambulance system yesterday confirmed its 5th ‘code red’ for 2022 in the early hours of Tuesday morning. It meant ambulances were unavailable for people who called 000 at some points that morning. The Victorian Ambulance Union pointed to staff shortages thanks to COVID, high demand, and too many calls for non-urgent medical issues. Today, locals have been told to only call for emergency assistance if they absolutely need it. With Victoria heading to the polls in November, pundits say it could impact Premier Daniel Andrews at the ballot box, noting that similar issues were a big factor in the downfall of South Oz’s government earlier this year. Over in Western Oz, St John Ambulance WA boss Michelle Fyfe announced her resignation, saying “new energy” is needed. The state’s ambulance system has also been in turmoil with COVID-related staff shortages and record ambulance delays.