In the period of winter and the flu season, the AV Executive Director Operational Communications, Anthony Carlyon, noted the high amount of non-emergency Triple Zero calls that occur during this time.
“While ambulances are always provided to patients when required, about one in five calls to 000 do not need an emergency ambulance response,” Mr Carlyon said.
“We regularly connect these patients to the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department and encourage people to contact the VVED directly for non-life-threatening medical emergencies.”
There are many places to get health advice to avoid utilising emergency services.
This includes VVED available at www.vved.org.au, the Priority Primary Care Centre, NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024 or your GP and pharmacist.
“By using these alternative care options, it helps keep our ambulances ready and available for the sickest patients, particularly those with life-threatening conditions,” Mr Carlyon said.
From January to March more than 39,000 people who did not need an emergency ambulance were connected to more appropriate care by AV’s Secondary Triage team and over the 12 months to March, around 7000 patients had been referred to the VVED by the secondary triage team.
AV shared tips to stay healthy this winter and help save our ambulance resources for those who need it most.
“By getting your immunisations, staying home if you are unwell and looking after your health, you’re also making a real difference for our busy paramedics and secondary triage clinicians who typically face high demand over winter,” Mr Carlyon said.
For more information about routine winter vaccinations or finding your nearest Priority Primary Care Centre, visit the Better Health website at www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
• Alice O’Brien is a Media Communication and Design student at Monash University, and is currently completing an internship with The News.
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