HSU paramedics are urgently seeking clarity from NSW Health after it appeared to promote free ambulances for possible COVID patients in non-emergency situations.
Materials released yesterday on social media implored people "unwell with, or suspected to have COVID-19" to call triple zero, promising to waive ambulance fees.
The material is ambiguous and does not clearly stipulate that this should only be done in a serious health situation.
HSU Secretary Gerard Hayes, said NSW Health had to immediately provide clarity.
"These materials are ambiguous. While they refer to severe symptoms in the first paragraph, the third paragraph could easily lead someone to believe they can call an ambulance just because they feel unwell.
"This is not consistent with emergency medicine.
"Our paramedics were alarmed when they heard of this last night. The Ambulance Service is already at breaking point, as evidence by the chronic bed block at major hospitals like Westmead and Nepean. Paramedics are working double shifts without breaks and meals. They are exhausted and fatigued.
"Advertising free ambulances for people who may have nothing more than the sniffles is poor policy and poor practice.
"NSW Health needs to clarify exactly what it is suggesting. Someone suffering stroke or heart attack doesn't get a free ambulance. Why are we trying to put more strain on an already stretched Ambulance Service?"
Gerard Hayes 0417 275 821
