A struggle to secure GP visits could be playing a role in skyrocketing calls for ambulances. 

National ambulance data shows there's been a 30% increase in 111 calls for ambulances over the past five years.  

St John fielded more than 700 thousand calls for the first time last year and attended more than half a million incidents.  

Ambulance Association National Secretary Mark Quinn told Ryan Bridge minimal access to healthcare in rural areas is playing a role. 

He says St John is sometimes used as a "pseudo-GP" because it's the only access to health operating in the area. 

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