On Wednesday 19 August there was significant ramping across metropolitan hospitals. SA Ambulance Service was forced to enact an Incident Management Team due to its inability to send ambulances to triple zero calls.
At one point, more than 80 patients were left waiting for an ambulance, including around 40 priority cases. SAAS had to implement a “no-send” policy for some due to a lack of available ambulance resources, with crews stuck on ramps.
Ramping this winter remains among the worst on record. We are significantly concerned that this August will prove to be the worst on record due to insufficient hospital capacity, insufficient available crews and no clear policy to end ramping.
Despite additional capacity in the system, it is clearly not enough. Patients in the community are beginning to be left without an available ambulance when they call triple zero due to the continued practice of ramping.
Ramping is a policy choice. It is the consequence of insufficient investment in hospital capacity, patient flow, workforce growth and ambulance crews.
The time for band-aid measures is over. South Australia needs immediate and sustained investment in both hospitals and ongoing ambulance crews to meet the ever growing demand and ensure they are available for our community when they need them most.
Our frontline workers deserve better. Most importantly, the South Australian community deserves better. Stop Managing the Crisis. Start Investing in the Solution.
Photo: Royal Adelaide Hospital 5pm Wednesday 19 August 2026
Authorised by AEA General Secretary Paul Ekkelboom