released a statement on January 7th saying, “yesterday we saw a 51 per cent increase in the number of people reporting breathing problems, and we think that’s largely due to smoke. Breathing problems calls increased from an average of 187 per day to 282 yesterday… many of those callers were taken to hospital.” The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners has urged people to call their doctor with health concerns in relation to bushfire smoke that are not life‑threatening. “If it’s not life-threatening, call your local GP…” said collage president Dr Harry Nespolon. “We know paramedics have seen a spike in calls from people suffering from respiratory concerns related to bushfire smoke. Emergency lines should be used when there are genuine emergencies, it’s important that they are not tied up.” AMBULANCE ACTIVE
Ambulance Victoria has recommended people to guard against exposure to smoke by taking some simple precautions, being: • Stay inside your house if possible; close all windows and doors • If you use an air conditioner, switch it to ‘recycle’ • Avoid exercise • Ordinary paper dust masks and handkerchiefs wont filter out particles from bushfire smoke- use a special ‘P2/ N29’ filter mask, which you can get at a hardware store but be sure they fit properly and you have no medical issues that would prevent use In spite of this, bushfire smoke and pollution does not cause as much lasting damage to the body as traffic or industrial pollution. It is very common to experience a range of emotions if you are directly or indirectly affected by bushfires.
24/7 telephone services offering counselling and support: • Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.orn.au A crisis support service that provides short-term support at any time for people who are having difficulty coping or staying safe. • Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 or www.beyondblue.org.au Available by phone or online via chat or email, to provide support on a range of mental health issues. • MensLine Australia: 1300 78 9978 or www.mensline.org.au/ A telephone and online counselling service for men. • Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelpkine.com.au A free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25 years.
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