AMBULANCE Victoria (AV) has been experiencing a significant demand due to seasonal illnesses circulating throughout communities and has asked Victorians to help busy paramedics by saving Triple Zero (000) for emergencies.

It is known that seasonal illnesses such as flu and COVID-19 are starting to take hold as the cold weather starts to set in.

Notified flu cases in Victoria have increased by 65 per cent in the past fortnight, while there are 361 COVID patients in hospital, 191 more than the same time last month – this includes 21 in ICU and eight of those ventilated.

AV’s priority has been to respond to the sickest patients who need life-saving care first, and during periods of high demand there may be delays for less urgent cases.

AV director emergency management, Justin Dunlop said about one in five calls to Triple Zero (000) do not need 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 Triple Zero (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 (VVED) is available at vved.org.au 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The VVED, which can connect you from anywhere in Victoria with emergency doctors and nurses, has been accessed by more than 290,000 Victorians since 2020.

Ambulance Victoria (AV) Executive Director Operational Communications Anthony Carlyon said for more than 20 years, AV’s secondary triage team has been connecting non-urgent Triple Zero (000) callers across Victoria to the right care for them.

“We know that a big flu season always increases demand on our secondary triage team,” he said.

“The flu season is underway and in May we saw 1409 patients present to secondary triage with flu-like symptoms.

“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 lots of other places to get health advice – that isn’t Triple Zero (000). You can also visit a Priority Primary Care Centre (PPCC), which provides GP-led care to people who need urgent care, but not emergency response.

People can also get care from their GP, pharmacist, or NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024.

“Most people with the flu will not need an ambulance and minor symptoms can be managed at home with rest,” Mr Carlyon said.

“By using these alternative care options, it helps keep our ambulances ready and available for the sickest patients, particularly those with life-threatening conditions.”