Four extra questions now being asked by NSW paramedics when attending emergencies aim to keep the front line workers safe during the COVID-19 health crisis.
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The new initiative Four at the Door has been implemented across ambulance stations across the state, including in Albury, and simply means paramedics will ask four "simple yet critical questions" before entering a premises when called to an emergency.
NSW Ambulance is asking for understanding during these unprecedented times and said the initiative is designed to help keep paramedics and the community safe.
Zone manager Superintendent Liesa Huggins said the questions are just another tool they have implemented to help paramedics make safe decisions.
"Not only for themselves, but for their loved ones and the community," she said.
"It is a challenging time and we know people are anxious, but these questions are necessary to ensure that NSW Ambulance is able to continue to provide a service and to be there for those who need us the most.
"By asking these questions it is not preventing our paramedics from treating people.
"It simply allows those responding paramedics to reduce any potential exposure to themselves."
Superintendent Huggins said the questions will be asked of everyone inside the building before paramedics go inside.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"Paramedics, especially now are risking themselves every day," she said.
"Please - so we can do our job, stay at home, wash your hands regularly, and practice social distancing.
"By doing this we can continue to come to work to take care of you.
"This is a very real threat, it is unlike anything we have experienced before.
"However, it doesn't change the fact there are still people with critical medical emergencies that are not related to COVID-19.
"We need to ensure we keep triple zero for genuine emergencies."
Four at the Door:
1. Has anyone inside been overseas in the past 14 days?
2. Does anyone inside have a fever or dry cough?
3. Has anyone inside had contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient?
4. Has anyone inside been diagnosed with pneumonia or any other medical condition?