Protocol when going to ED

[dinky]

I have done walk ins and ambulance transfers to our local ED. The triage system works quite well IMHO. Ambulances are triaged the same as walk ins, but they will try to get them off the stretchers asap. It doesn't happen fast enough though! It's how the public system works, and to be honest, we have received excellent treatment each and every time we have been there. I drove my DH to hospital when he had a heart attack, he refused to allow me to call an ambulance, but would allow me to take him to the local Dr, I took him straight to ED. He wasn't happy, but was triaged and in resus in under 5 mins and in surgery in 30 mins, it saved his life!

There is nothing wrong with taking yourself to ED. If you feel that it is safe to do so. I have been told by DH's specialist that I am NEVER allowed to drive him again and to call an ambulance straight away should he have more chest pain, which I have had to do a few times. Thankfully we are covered with our PHI. For a 10 minute trip it cost $1000. I myself, was taken from one hospital to another and then transferred to another, $4500 those cost me, but we were covered.

[surprised]

And if you're not convinced yet about having private cover for these things, imagine the cost of a helicopter transfer!