The boss of NSW Ambulance has urged Australians to save 000 calls for emergencies – not to complain they can’t sleep or ask if Covid testing sites are open.
During a media conference about new Covid restrictions being introduced in NSW, including compulsory indoor masks, Acting NSW Ambulance Commissioner Dave Dutton said this holiday period was shaping up to be a busy time for paramedics.
But Mr Dutton revealed operators were being bombarded with irrelevant calls about Covid – as well as about other personal things – as he urged people to think before they call.
Acting Commissioner, Dave Dutton, from Ambulance NSW urged Australians at a press conference today to save 000 calls for emergencies (stock)
‘Yesterday, we answered an emergency 000 call every 24 seconds,’ he said.
‘We are asking to save 000 for saving lives.’
He reiterated what classifies as an emergency situation and what does not – including sleeplessness and Covid vaccinations.
He reiterated what classifies as an emergency situation and what does not – including sleeplessness and Covid vaccination information (stock)
‘I want to be clear, if somebody is unconscious if someone has chest pain, somebody has shortness of breath, if there are injuries as a result of a motor vehicle accident please call emergency 000,’ he said.
‘I want to be equally clear on the following points.
‘If you can’t sleep, if you have a toothache, if you have a splinter, if you want to check the opening hours of testing clinic, or follow-up on a COVID-19 vaccination, please do not call emergency 000.’
He said non-emergency calls to the 000 service potentially delay responses to genuine emergency situations.
The speech followed NSW Premiere Dominic Perrottet’s announcement that the state would be re-introducing indoor mask rules, QR check-in codes, and social distancing rules in hospitality venues
His speech followed NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet’s announcement on Thursday that the state would be re-introducing indoor mask rules, QR check-in codes, and social distancing rules in hospitality venues.
The announcement was in stark contrast of Mr Perrottet’s opinions earlier this week that NSW would not go back to mandates but encourage ‘personal responsibility.’
‘We believe today’s changes are modest, cautious, takes a precautionary approach as we move through this holiday period to the end of January,’ he said.
The announcement was in stark contrast of Mr Perrottet’s opinions earlier this week that NSW would not go back to mandates but encourage ‘personal responsibility’
‘The system is in a very strong position. Our ICU numbers remain low at 45. That is incredibly pleasing.
‘We believe the changes that we are making today will ensure that our health system is well manned over the holiday season as we go through this next stage.’
Mr Perrottet has also urged Aussies to only get tested if they are unwell and said free rapid antigen tests will be available at vaccination centres, GPs and pharmacies.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said too many people are getting tested even though they don’t have symptoms.
Mr Perrottet has also urged Aussies to only get tested if they are unwell and said free rapid antigen tests will be available at vaccination centres, GPs and pharmacies
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said too many people are getting tested even though they don’t have symptoms
‘Many people waiting hours in queues, particularly as we come into Christmas.
‘We’re doing everything we can to alleviate that pressure. In addition to the PCR testing, if you’re unwell and those people from New South Wales… if you aren’t feeling unwell, please do not get a PCR test.’
The announcements came after Australia recorded a record 8,210 cases on Thursday including 5,715 in NSW, 2,005 in Victoria, 369 in Queensland, 85 in the ACT, 26 in Tasmania and 10 in the Northern Territory.
The announcements came after Australia recorded a record 8,210 cases on Thursday including 5,715 in NSW
Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said 80 per cent of cases in NSW were the more infectious Omicron strain and this explains the recent sharp increase in cases
Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said 80 per cent of cases in NSW were the more infectious Omicron strain and this explains the recent sharp increase in cases.
‘Pulling together multiple pieces of evidence from overseas countries such as South Africa and the UK, and using some of our own emerging data, it indicates that infection with Omicron is likely to be milder than infection with Delta, with the risk of hospitalisation being around 60 to 80 per cent less than for Delta,’ she said.
‘But the issue is the increased transmissibility, leading to high case numbers. And the impact this is having on vulnerable settings, vulnerable people and critical workforces.’