Paramedics' coronavirus questions '4 at the door' to help lower risk of infection

When called to a job paramedics will ask four questions as part of the '4 at the door' initiative before beginning treatment to do as much as possible to reduce the risk of contracting coronavirus to paramedics and health workers.

The four questions are:

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Ambulance NSW is urging people to be patient and understanding and provide as much information as possible, with the initiative will be launched state-wide for all paramedics.

NSW Ambulance zone manager superintendent Stewart Clarke said paramedics were risking their lives and health every day, but especially now, and asked the public respect the guidelines implemented by the government in the past week.

"This is another tool we have implemented to help our paramedics make safe decisions - not only for themselves, but for their loved ones and the community," Supt Clarke 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.

He urged people to be understanding and be patient, and said the threat "is unlike anything we've experienced before".

"However, it doesn't change the fact there are still people with critical medical emergencies that are not related to COVID-19," he 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."

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