Paramedics Kiara Maieron and Rohan Milliken reunite with their former patient, Hugo Canny-Smith.
Photo by
Liam Hennebry
Ambulance Victoria’s Medium Acuity Transport Service has reached an impressive milestone – responding to over 100,000 cases since its inception in September 2021.
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Dedicated to less urgent medical calls, MATS helps alleviate pressure on other ambulance units, ensuring that critically ill patients receive timely care when they need it most.
The paramedic crews also respond to more serious calls when needed to support emergency ambulance resources.
AV executive director of regional operations, Danielle North praised the impact of MATS operations in both metropolitan and regional areas, including Shepparton.
“Our MATS crews are making a big difference in helping emergency ambulances be available for the sickest or most injured patients by bridging the gap for those who require an ambulance, but it’s not life-threatening,” she said.
Across Victoria, MATS crews consist of a graduate paramedic and a qualified paramedic, providing the best possible response to Code 2 and 3 patients.
Ms North said that partnering paramedic recruits with experienced paramedics on board MATS vehicles helps develop the next generation of healthcare heroes.
“This gives an opportunity for our senior paramedics to impart invaluable knowledge,” she said.
“At the same time, it provides an enriching on-the-job educational experience and an additional pathway for new paramedics.”
On average, MATS crews attend to more than 80 cases daily, addressing a range of health situations, including patients with chronic conditions, falls, and inter-hospital transfers.
As of June 22, 2025, the team has attended to 105,063 cases statewide, of which 27,581 are from regional areas.
“That is a lot of time saved for other paramedic crews to respond to the most critical cases,” Ms North said.
One of the 100,000 patients to date was 20-year-old Hugo Canny-Smith.
Earlier this year, Mr Canny-Smith required an ambulance following a seizure related to his epilepsy.
“I remember the paramedics helping me up and putting the monitors on me,” he said.
“They were very patient.”
Mother Krys Canny-Smith said her son has required an ambulance a few times for seizures, and, at times, she has worried that “we’re taking them away from life-threatening emergencies”.
“It’s nice to have learned about MATS and to know that these paramedics are there to help us,” she said.
Paramedics Rohan Milliken and Kiara Maieron with mother and son, Krys and Hugo Canny-Smith.
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