Service brings emergency care to the home, virtually

When every minute counts, getting the right care fast can make all the difference.

Ambulance Victoria is highlighting how services such as the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) are transforming emergency care by connecting Victorians to expert help from home while freeing up paramedics for critical cases.

Since its launch, Ambulance Victoria (AV) has referred more than 85,000 patients to the VVED for appropriate virtual care, and more than 680,000 patients have benefited overall from the online service.

This approach has not only eased the burden on physical emergency departments but also ensured patients receive timely and efficient care wherever they are in Victoria, from the comfort of their homes.

AV director of operational triage services, Diana Zimmermann, said the 24/7 online emergency department is a win-win for patients and paramedics.

“Services like the VVED are excellent for patients, providing access to emergency care in the comfort of their own homes and helping to keep paramedics and first responders available for the sickest Victorians.”

For many Victorians, that difference is already being felt. When Newborough mum Brooke found her seven-year-old son, Jaxx, struggling to breathe, virtual emergency care meant hospital level care sooner than she expected.

Within minutes, an ambulance arrived with paramedics Jaimik Chauhan and Mick Smith, who quickly assessed Jaxx for his condition. The crew determined his croup symptoms were not life-threatening but could be exacerbated if he was transported in the middle of the winter’s night, and recommended an online consultation with an emergency doctor or nurse via the VVED, instead of a hospital visit.

With support from Dr Amanda Burnside at the VVED, Jaxx received a full diagnostic assessment and timely treatment from the comfort of home.

Brooke was amazed by the level of care provided by the VVED and encouraged all Victorians to consider a VVED video consult as their go-to option for non-life-threatening medical emergencies.

“It was amazing. Jaxx is on the autism spectrum, so not having to be transported in an ambulance and wait in the emergency department was fantastic,” Brooke said.”

To use the VVED, head to vved.org.au/patients

In a life-threatening emergency always phone Triple Zero (000) immediately.