Paramedics plead to keep 000 for emergencies in new TV ad

VICTORIANS will be reminded to save triple-0 for genuine emergencies in a new TV ad, after a rise in non-essential paramedic call-outs.

VICTORIANS will be reminded to save triple-0 for genuine emergencies, and instead seek less-urgent health care elsewhere, when a new TV ad campaign hits the screens from today.

The State Government’s “Save lives: Save 000 for emergencies” campaign showcases the range of healthcare professionals who are qualified and available around-the-clock — such as on-call nurses, GPs and pharmacists — with the aim of diverting non-emergency cases away paramedics.

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Acting Minister for Ambulance Services, Jenny Mikakos said the advertisement was important to ensure paramedics were available for serious and life-threatening emergencies.

“When an ambulance responds to a non-emergency, it takes paramedics away from time critical, life threatening emergencies,” Ms Mikakos said.

On the set of the new ad, which features MICA flight paramedic Darren Hodge (left), with an on-call nurse, GP and pharmacist.

“When ambulances are free to answer emergency calls, response times improve.”

The Sunday Herald Sun has previously reported paramedics feeling that many Victorians had developed a sense of “entitlement” to calling an ambulance for minor health problems, resulting in already-stretched crews being sent to treat sore throats, blisters, haemorrhoids and insomnia.

After the campaign first launched last year — highlighting the story of a boy whose life was saved by a MICA paramedic — 7 per cent more Victorians (80 per cent) believed using an ambulance for a non-emergency was a misuse of the system.

“If Victorians feel unwell or have a minor injury, they should contact their local GP,” Ms Mikakos said.

“The can also see a pharmacist for questions on general health, or call NURSE-ON-CALL for immediate and expert advice, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”