Media Centre

Ambulance ready for H1N1 flu

29 May 2009

The recent outbreak of H1N1 flu cases in Victoria has seen the state’s ambulance service implement its emergency response plan as a precautionary measure.

Ambulance Victoria has seen a rise in the number of ambulance calls for patients complaining of flu like symptoms in the last two days, however measures have been put in place to reduce the impact on ambulance workload.

Operations Manager Paul Holman said that Ambulance Victoria was prepared should the number of patients with the virus continue to increase.

‘We are fortunate at the moment that this seems to be a mild virus, however it is a new virus and DHS and the government continue to monitor it,’ Mr Holman said.

‘Currently our advice is only phone an ambulance if you are suffering severe breathing problems. If it is just flu symptoms, the reality is that paramedics are limited in what they can do and the best advice is to stay home and contact your local doctor.

‘We have planning measures in place should we start to see a demand for ambulance services increase.

‘Paramedics are being kept informed of the situation and we continue to work closely with the other health agencies,’ Mr Holman said.

Health advice:

• Personal hygiene remains vital. Wash your hands regularly, cover your nose and mouth if sneezing and coughing and stay at home if you feel sick.
• Follow any instructions by health professionals on quarantining or limiting social contact; and
• People who feel ill with influenza-like symptoms should present to their doctor for the best possible advice. It is always wise to call ahead, or to alert the clinic staff when you arrive.

Please call your GP if you have a flu like illness (fever and cough and fatigue) and have travelled to Mexico, USA or Canada, Japan and Panama in the past seven days, or have been in direct contact with a confirmed case of Human Swine Flu.

Please call your local hospital ONLY if you are seriously unwell with flu like symptoms and have travelled to Mexico, USA,Canada, Japan and Panama in past seven days, or have been in direct contact with a confirmed case of Human Swine Flu.

For more information please visit the DHS website.