With seasonal illnesses such as the flu and COVID-19 starting to spread as the cold weather sets in, ambulances are experiencing increased demand.
Ambulance Victoria is asking people to help busy paramedics by saving 000 for emergencies.
Its priority is to respond to the sickest patients who need life-saving care first. During periods of high demand, there may be delays for less urgent cases.
Notified flu cases in Victoria have increased by 65 per cent in the past fortnight, and there are 361 COVID patients in hospital, which is 191 more than last month. Of these COVID patients, there are 21 in intensive care and eight on ventilators.
Now is the time to protect yourself and learn what alternative care options are available.
If you don’t require emergency transport and are well enough to drive or have someone who can assist, consider taking yourself to a GP, Priority Primary Care Centre or emergency department.
Ambulance Victoria director emergency management Justin Dunlop said about one in five calls to 000 did not require an emergency ambulance response.
“For non-life-threatening matters, you should consider using an alternative care pathway,” he said.
“While we will always have as many crews on the road as we can, every call that isn’t an emergency puts even further strain on them to reach those who need us the most.
“That is why we urge you to save 000 for emergencies, and if it’s not life-threatening, access alternative care options which are available all day, every day.”
The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department is available at www.vved.org.au, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The VVED can connect you from anywhere in Victoria with emergency doctors and nurses and has been accessed by more than 290,000 Victorians since 2020.
Mr Dunlop said thousands of patients had been safely treated in their own homes and had avoided a trip to the hospital by using VVED.
“You can also visit a PPCC, which provides GP-led care to people who need urgent care, but not emergency response,” he said.
“Most people with the flu will not need an ambulance, and minor symptoms can be managed at home with rest.
“By using these alternative care options, it helps keep our ambulances available for the sickest patients, particularly those with life-threatening conditions.”
People can get care from their GP, pharmacist, or NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024.
Mr Dunlop has also reminded Victorians to get their flu and COVID vaccinations as soon as possible.
“This time of year, is a particularly bad time for the spread of illnesses and a busy time for our paramedics,” he said.
“By staying up to date with your yearly vaccinations, it helps you and the people around you.
“It also makes a difference by reducing demand on our paramedics, who are facing a busy period ahead.”
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