The ACT Ambulance Service has issued a statement answering questions raised by members of the ACT community concerned at the impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
The Service said it had developed a quick guide in response to questions about whether it was OK to call Emergency Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance if you had COVID-19.
It said if residents had tested positive to COVID-19 and felt breathless, had trouble breathing or were dizzy, they needed to call Emergency Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.
It said likewise if a person, or someone they were with, was experiencing a medical emergency that required the assistance of a paramedic, firefighter or police officer they should also call Emergency Triple Zero (000).
It said COVID-19 could be life threatening and advised residents not to hesitate to call an ambulance if they needed one.
“Please don’t be concerned about whether you can afford ambulance fees,” the Service said.
“For those who are in a position of significant financial difficulty, these fees may be waived.”
The Service said that it paramedics took every precaution when responding to all incidents, which included wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), undertaking routine cleans of vehicles and minimising their movement in the community.
“No need to be alarmed, this equipment provides an additional layer of protection for our front-line personnel against COVID-19,” it said.
