Since the implementation of contingency measures at the the Urgent Patient Guidance Centers (CODU) early this month, with the aim of reducing call handling time to the emergency number 112, INEM have reported that 18% of the total calls received at the INEM center were not medical emergencies.
As we have been hearing regularly in the news, the shortage of professionals in the Pre-hospital Emergency Technician (TEPH) category in the INEM staffing map, now exacerbated by workers in this professional category striking, with no end in sight, has affected the level of response that INEM can offer to citizens who need their emergency services.
Last weekend, the Urgent Patient Guidance Center (CODU) of the National Institute of Medical Emergencies (INEM) forwarded 662 calls to SNS 24 and also registered 1408 incidents that did not require referral or activation of emergency services. In other words, during this weekend period, 18% of the total calls received at the INEM center were not medical emergencies.
Between November 1st and 3rd, 2070 non-urgent calls were answered and triaged by INEM professionals.
Calls that do not constitute a medical emergency overload the system, jeopardizing the Integrated Medical Emergency System's (SIEM) ability to respond to true emergencies, putting the lives of those who truly need immediate help at risk.
INEM reminds citizens that they should only call the European Emergency Number 112 in serious or life-threatening situations, such as:
- Altered state of consciousness;
- Suspected stroke (change in speech, face or strength);
- Choking (after trying to help);
- Difficulty breathing;
- Accidents with injured person(s);
- Chest pain;
- Heavy or uncontrollable bleeding;
- Serious burns or burns in sensitive areas.
If the call is put on hold, users should wait for it to be answered by CODU professionals, instead of hanging up and calling again. This action will put the call at the end of the queue of calls on hold, only serving to delay the answering of the call.
In all other non-emergency situations, citizens should contact SNS 24, on 808 24 24 24 – for appropriate referral and advice.
Collaborate with INEM. Call 112 only in case of emergency.
Source https://www.inem.pt/
