GP avoidance sparks surge in code one call-outs
Many patients with pre-existing conditions are now needing urgent care after Melbourne’s lockdown
Reluctance to seek GP care during Melbourne’s COVID-19 restrictions is behind a surge in critical ambulance call-outs post-lockdown, paramedics say.
More than 2000 call-outs were made on 2 November, the day after restrictions were eased, with 1021 of them priority code one calls — the second highest priority.
The trend has continued, with statewide emergency calls up 6% on pre-coronavirus figures as of Sunday, with an average of 1932 cases daily, according to Ambulance Victoria data.
There have already been 30% more priority