In a heart-wrenching and preventable turn of events, our relative lost his life during a medical episode in Victoria and the person with him failed to call an ambulance. This was a serious but simple health issue that could have been resolved if medical advice had been sought immediately. The inaction in a time when timely intervention could have saved a life is unbearable and something no family should have to go through.

This tragic incident underscores a critical gap in our community's response to medical emergencies. We have regulations and laws to protect people in emergencies, yet the legal obligation for bystanders to seek help by calling emergency services during medical crises remains vague. This needs to change.

I propose making it a legislated requirement in Victoria that individuals must call emergency services if a person they are with is experiencing a medical emergency. Not only does this ensure swift medical attention but it will foster a community culture of care and responsibility. Such a law would deter hesitancy and encourage decisive action when lives are at stake.

Statistics from medical studies show that the chance of survival during medical emergencies significantly increases with prompt medical intervention. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that hundreds of lives could have been saved if emergency services were notified immediately during health crises.

Adopting this measure is a realistic and actionable solution to prevent future tragedies. The implementation of Good Samaritan laws in other countries has already proven effective in preventing unnecessary deaths, which shows that legislative support works in saving lives.

We call upon the Victorian government to take immediate action to mandate emergency assistance calls during medical emergencies. By supporting this petition, you could help protect future families from the pain of losing a loved one due to delayed medical intervention. Let us come together for a law that will protect our loved ones in their most vulnerable moments.

Please sign this petition, urging the Victorian government to legislate the necessity of calling an ambulance in medical emergencies and help prevent avoidable tragedies. Your voice can make a life-saving difference.