NT Covid positive patients told to not call triple-0 as cases spike

Paramedics have pleaded with scared Covid-positive Territorians to not call triple-0. ‘Save triple-0 for a true emergency’

AMBULANCE workers have implored scared Territorians to not call triple-0 after getting a positive Covid result.

St John Ambulance NT Ambulance Services director Andrew Thomas said operators had noticed a spike in calls as cases rise across the community.

Mr Thomas told the ABC that Territorians were panicked and confused about what to do after receiving a positive PCR, rapid antigen tests, or after being pinged as a close contact.

“They tend to fall back when they’re not quite sure on ringing triple-0,” Mr Thomas said.

“We are seeing a number of phone calls coming through on the triple-0 line now where people are a bit unsure of what to do and then calling through to our medical dispatchers.”

Mr Thomas said the emergency line was now having to deal with an increase in the non-urgent medical inquires.

“Obviously then (that) means that at times when other people are ringing through with other medical emergencies, that they’re not being able to get through.”

“Please save triple-0 for the times when it's a true emergency.”

Mr Thomas said that this trend had hit triple-0 call centres across Australia as each state and territory grappled with their outbreaks.

He asked Territorians to instead call the Covid hotline anytime, on 1800 490 484.

Mr Thomas said the hotline would provide answers about how to monitor the infection, how to manage home quarantine, further testing and any other queries.

Chief health officer Hugh Heggie said it was critical to not overload the call centre line, with different numbers available for various queries and information already available online.

“That’s about preserving our resources for good reason,” Dr Heggie said.

“Please don’t go to the emergency department if you have symptoms of a cold. Please don’t call an ambulance if you think you have Covid-19.”

But, Dr Heggie said if there were clinical reasons to call triple-0, such as breathlessness or faintness, Covid-positive patients should call the ambulance.

Mr Thomas said St Johns was part of the Covid response and were transporting positive patients who needed additional assistance to hospital, or to quarantine facilities.

Originally published as NT Covid positive patients told to not call triple-0 as cases spike