Health Minister urges public to think before they call for an ambulance over the holiday break

Tasmanians who need medical attention over the holiday break have been urged to consider their options and not simply call for an ambulance. Who you can call instead >>

Ambulance Tasmania acting operations supervisor Sally Budge and community paramedic Nancy di Grande at Ambulance Tasmania Headquarters in Hobart on Monday, December 23, 2024.

Tasmanians who need medical attention over the holiday break have been urged to consider their options and not simply call for an ambulance.

Health Minister Jacquie Petrusma on Monday highlighted the wide range of services available over the period, when emergency departments and the ambulance will be busier than usual.

Ms Petrusma said those who required emergency care should always call triple-0 (000) or go to the nearest emergency department but said there were better options for less serious complaints.

“There are a range of community-based health services that are available and can offer fast advice or treatment for non-emergency issues,” she said.

“Calling an ambulance does not need to be your first point of contact with the health care system.

“In fact, we offer a whole wide range of options that you might want to consider first. For example, just speak to your local GP.

“You might be surprised that they may be offering extended hours during Christmas or even working over weekends.

“Please consider your treatment options, they are all available on the Department of Health website, so don’t just think you need to go to an ED, often our other treatment options will be far quicker and far easier for you to visit.”

Executive Director of Operations for Ambulance Tasmania Michelle Baxter, Health Minister Jacquie Petrusma and Heath Department secretary Dale Webster speak to the media at Ambulance Tasmania headquarters in Hobart on Monday, December 23, 2024.

Department of Health secretary Dale Webster urged the public to take appropriate precautions to protect their own health during the holiday season.

“Christmas-New Year is one of the busiest periods for hospitals and for ambulance for the whole year,” he said.

“We plan for that, but we can also be helped by the public.

“If you’re outdoors, make sure you slip, stop, slap and if you’re doing an event like mountain bike biking, prepare for it, wear the safety equipment.

“All of those things mean that you’re less likely to need our assistance.”

Ambulance Tasmania executive director of operations urged people to be patient – and kind – if they came into contact with emergency service workers.

“The message I like for the public to sort of take on board is that our people are there to help, regardless if they’re taking a triple-0 call, dispatching the ambulance, to the paramedics that might arrive on scene, or our secondary triage that will give you a call back.

“Please know that we’re there to help. We’re not there to hinder and it’d be really great if the public could treat us with the respect and with kindness as well.

Frontline health services available over the break include:

* Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in Hobart, Bridgewater, Launceston, and Devonport;

* Healthdirect – Tasmanians can go online or call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak to a Registered Nurse at time day or night;

* Pharmacies, where pharmacists can provide advice and treatment for a range of minor illnesses and ailments, such as coughs, colds, cuts, and grazes, as well as provide medical certificates;

* Some GPs offer extended opening hours in the evenings and on weekends;

* Care@home provides remote care and support in the home for vulnerable patients with respiratory illnesses; and

* The Access Mental Health Helpline offers immediate counselling and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.