More than half of Australians would not seek emergency medical care for a child with symptoms of meningococcal disease or for a paracetamol overdose, new research suggests.

While patients with GP-style presentations are often blamed for gridlocking EDs, Perth researchers have found the opposite also holds true — with many who need urgent care possibly staying away.

Their survey of 5264 adults revealed 57% did not think it was necessary to call 000 or go to the ED when a four-year old had a high temperature, sore neck and headache that did not improve with paracetamol.

Instead, 42% would make a GP appointment, while 20% would attend a COVID-19 testing clinic, reported researchers from Edith Cowan University in Australasian Emergency Care.