ONE in five calls to triple-0 are not emergencies.
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After two weeks in a row of Ambulance Victoria issuing a code red, acting Victorian Health Minister James Merlino pleaded with the public to save triple-0 calls for emergencies only.
"It's really important to point out that one in five calls to triple-0 are not emergency calls," he said.
"We've all got a role to play, there's Nurse-On-Call, there's the COVID hotline, if it's not an emergency please don't call triple-0.
"Don't call triple-0 to get your test results - that's what's happening."
Loddon Mallee acting regional director Trevor Weston said the pandemic continued to have a significant and unprecedented impact on health systems including Ambulance Victoria and hospital emergency departments.
"Our AV and partner agency staff in Loddon Mallee are working extremely hard to manage the increasing demand while prioritising care to the sickest Victorians," he said.
"Here in the Loddon Mallee region, we are continuing to see a very high demand for emergency care, and this is expected to continue for a number of weeks, especially with more visitors to the region than usual.
"We are asking all community members to help us by saving triple-0 for emergencies. Every call for assistance that isn't an emergency puts significant strain on our crews to reach those patients who need us the most."
Earlier this week, Ambulance Victoria announced an extra crew would operate in Bendigo to assist with demand.
The new unit will operate during the busiest times of the day, for up to 12 hours.
People who have mild coronavirus symptoms are encouraged to seek support from Nurse-On-Call, their GP, or the COVID Positive Pathway contact they have been provided by their healthcare provider.
If you develop severe symptoms, you should call triple-0 immediately, tell the call-taker your symptoms, and let them know you have COVID-19.
Nurse-On-Call puts you directly in touch with a registered nurse for caring, professional health advice around the clock.
Call 1300 60 60 24 from anywhere in Victoria for free health advice, 24 hours a day.
If you think your situation is an emergency, you should always call triple-0 or go to an emergency department at a hospital.
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