This is the message from emergency clinicians across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, who are reminding people to think ahead and exercise caution this summer.
Emergency clinicians from the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM), the College of Emergency Nursing Australasia (CENA) and the College of Emergency Nursing New Zealand (CENNZ – NZNO), are urging people to take steps to reduce their chances of visiting the ED, particularly for preventable accidents and alcohol-related ED presentations which historically rise during the festive period.
Health systems are experiencing crippling workforce shortages and are being asked to do more with less. As a result, ED staff are advising people seeking care for non-immediately life-threatening conditions that they will likely experience long waits in triage, and that other health care options might be more appropriate.
“EDs are always open for people needing emergency care,” ACEM President Dr Stephen Gourley said. “If you need to attend the ED then you will always receive treatment. However, be advised that urgent cases take priority and will always be treated first.”
For non-emergencies, alternate forms of care such as GPs, urgent care centres, telephone helplines, or pharmacies may be quicker. Options include:
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Dr Gourley advised people to reduce their chances of a visit to the ED by being mindful of possible dangers such as water safety around backyard pools and ocean rips, and of falling off ladders while renovating or cleaning up around the home.
“There is always a spike in holiday-related presentations during the festive season, one of the busiest times of year in emergency departments,” Dr Gourley said.
“ED staff do an outstanding job under great pressure and with limited staff and resources, but our prime concern is always saving lives. People with less serious or non-life-threatening injuries may face an extended wait when they arrive at emergency.”
CENA President Associate Prof Kelli Innes said, “During the holiday season it's easy to get caught up in the celebrations, but it's also important to be mindful of your health and safety, stay hydrated and be aware of your surroundings.”
The Colleges also urged travellers with health needs to plan ahead, taking into account the capacity and staffing levels of smaller EDs in regional, rural, and remote areas.
“Whether you’re staying local or travelling, be sure to have all your prescriptions and health care needs,” NZNO College of Emergency Nursing New Zealand (CENNZ) chair Lauren Miller said. “Plan ahead for how and where to seek medical help if you require it, whether that is primary and urgent care facilities, telephone helplines or pharmacies. Please keep ED for emergencies.”
“Please take extra care over this time. Be sun smart, water safe and drink responsibly,” Ms Miller said.
“The holiday season can be a difficult time for many people. Be merry, but please be careful. It only takes a moment to turn your holiday season into a hospital stay,” Dr Gourley said.
Long ED waits across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia mean staff are reporting high levels of frustration and aggression from patients and carers alike. ED clinicians deserve a safe place to work so that they can continue to do the best job they can.
“Hospital emergency departments should be safe and free from the threat of violence,” Dr Gourley said. “ED staff have a right to feel safe at work. The safety of staff, patients and carers must always be a top priority.”
Associate Prof Kelli Innes said, “During the holiday season, please remember to be kind and respectful to all emergency department staff who are committed to helping everyone in a safe and timely manner.”
The Colleges stand ready to work with governments and other health stakeholders to strive for sustainable, well-resourced health systems that meet the present and future needs of all people across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia.
Background:
The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) is the peak body for emergency medicine in Australia and New Zealand, responsible for training emergency physicians and advancement of professional standards.
The College of Emergency Nursing Australasia (CENA) is the peak professional association representing emergency nurses across Australia and internationally.
The College of Emergency Nurses New Zealand (CENNZ – NZNO) is part of the professional arm of NZNO, formed especially for Emergency Nurses by Emergency Nurses.
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