ABC News

Paramedics call on government to declare State of Emergency

On RN Breakfast with Fran Kelly

States and territories have agreed to suspend all non-urgent elective surgery as health authorities brace for a surge in coronavirus cases.

In New South Wales, Australia's worst-hit state, hospitals are so far managing the outbreak but there's fears that all of the state's 874 intensive care beds will be filled by the middle of next month.

Paramedics are also worried about what is coming.

They're calling on the government to declare a State of Emergency to ensure they get the resources needed to fight the virus.


Liu Bianchi, Acting Secretary, Australian Paramedics Association NSW branch; intensive care paramedic

Producer: Matt Bevan

Duration: 8min 14sec