More media scrutiny of Melbourne's AAMI Park after A-League player injury

Mainstream media outlets have questioned AAMI Park not having an ambulance on standby following an injury to player during last night's A-League game between Melbourne City and Adelaide United.

According to media reports, it took 13 minutes for an ambulance to arrive at the stadium to assist Adelaide United player Juande after he sustained a serious leg injury

The incident occurred in the 66th minute as a result of Juande colliding with a City player with a disturbing crack heard at impact.

Medical staff then rushed to the player’s aid while players held a sheet around their teammate as he received treatment.

News Corp Australia, Fox Sports, Melbourne's The Sun-Herald and the Mail Online have each questioned the time it then took for medical transport to arrive, asking why an ambulance is not on hand at the venue during fixtures.

It emerged that Ambulance Victoria have not stationed ambulances at A-leagues matches since November 2018.

A-Leagues Commissioner Greg O’Rourke confirmed this, advising that it was no longer a requirement to have an ambulance at A-League games.

O’Rourke advised "in November 2018, static ambulance services were withdrawn by Ambulance Victoria and instead Emergency Physicians were installed at the stadium.

“Emergency Physicians are doctors who have specialised in Emergency Medicine as specialist medical practitioners they are able to provide a higher level of care than a paramedic.

“That change was approved by PFA in 2018 and has been policy in Victoria ever since. In every other state, it remains policy to have static ambulances.”

The match was restarted after a 30 minute delay.

Security arrangements at AAMI Park were questioned after a pitch invasion by Melbourne Victory fans just before Christmas.

Image: AAMI Park. Credit: Visit Melbourne.