Ambulance body's overnight warning to patients in Aussie capital

Melbourne residents have been urged to only visit emergency rooms or contact ambulances when facing life-threatening situations, with the city's hospitals experiencing "high demand" overnight.

Ambulance Victoria put the call out on social media.

"It's critical that we all do what we can to save our paramedics – and our hospital emergency departments – for life-threatening emergencies," the post read.

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"When emergency departments are busy, beds are allocated to patients with life-threatening emergencies. Other patients go into the waiting room, and you can expect a delay.

"Calling an ambulance will not help you get seen quicker."

Ambulance Victoria said there were other options for people who needed urgent healthcare for non-life-threatening issues.

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People can contact the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department around the clock for online assistance, or visit an Urgent Care Clinic in person.

The Nurse-on-Call hotline can be reached 24 hours a day on 1300 60 60 24, or people can visit their local GP or pharmacist.

"Help us keep our paramedics and first responders on the road for our sickest patients and save paramedics for life-threatening emergencies," the post said.

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