On Monday, Echuca-Moama was covered in a thick haze, which has since cleared, although smoke remains in the area.
Nurse unit manager in the emergency department Craig Frew said: "We have had several presentations with respiratory issues related to the smoke over the past few days mainly in patients with underlying respiratory issues, which has led to an exacerbation of their chronic disease.”
And Ambulance Victoria is urging people to take care as the smoke continues to wreak havoc.
“Yesterday (on Monday) we saw a 51 per cent increase in the number of people reporting breathing problems, and we think that's largely due to smoke,” acting director of emergency management Justin Dunlop said.“Breathing problems calls increased from an average of 187 per day to 282 yesterday, with a spike in the evening.“Most of that increase was in Melbourne, where there's a bigger population. Many of those we were called to were taken to hospital.”
Children and people with pre-existing health conditions have been identified as those at the greatest risk.
“The children, the elderly, people with asthma, emphysema and heart disease are at a greater risk of being affected by smoke,” Mr Dunlop said.“If you have asthma or a lung condition and you develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing please follow your asthma action plan.“If you are showing signs of a serious smoke inhalation injury you should be assessed immediately by a medical professional such as a paramedic or a GP.“Anyone with less urgent concerns about their health should seek medical advice or call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24.
“Symptoms can include itchy eyes, sore throat and runny nose through to shortness of breath, coughing, vomiting, nausea and confusion.”
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