Thunderstorm asthma inquest: Ambulance lie to 000 callers

CALLERS who dialled triple-0 during Victoria’s freak thunderstorm asthma event in 2016 were told an ambulance was on its way when that was not the case, an inquest has heard.

CALLERS who dialled triple-0 during Victoria’s freak thunderstorm asthma event in 2016 were told an ambulance was on its way when that was not the case, an inquest has heard.

Seven men and three women, aged between 18 and 57, died from asthma during or shortly after the thunderstorm on November 21, 2016.

On that late spring afternoon, high pollen, strong wind, hot temperatures, air moisture and a cold front combined to trigger severe asthma attacks across the city.

FRESH AIR FATAL FOR THUNDERSTORM ASTHMA VICTIMS

People who dialled triple-0 during Victoria’s freak thunderstorm asthma event were told an ambulance was on its way when that was not the case, an inquest has heard. Picture: Norm Oorloff

It sparked an unprecedented surge in emergency calls, and hospitals across Melbourne were inundated with about 1400 patients who reacted badly to the storm.

Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority executive manager of operations Michelle Smith told the Coroners Court of Victoria yesterday that calls for assistance that evening surged 700 per cent, tying up the ambulance fleet.

She said at that time, call operators were scripted to tell priority callers “the ambulance is now on its way” at the end of the call.

However, she said since the thunderstorm asthma event, a new surge script had been ­developed where call operators now told priority callers: “Help is being arranged.” Callers were also now told that Ambulance Victoria vehicles were “under extremely high ­demand” and to consider making their own transport ­arrangements.

Ms Smith said in 12 hours over November 21-22 in 2016, the call centres received 2332 calls — the single greatest number of calls ever received by ESTA.

The inquest continues.