Not every health concern needs a trip to the emergency department. But some absolutely do. Knowing the difference helps you get the right care at the right time.
Understanding urgent vs emergency symptoms
Urgent symptoms
Urgent symptoms need prompt attention but are not immediately life-threatening. Examples include:
- Ear pain or a suspected ear infection
- Mild to moderate fever in adults
- Urinary tract infection symptoms such as burning or frequent urination
- Skin rashes without breathing difficulty
- Sore throat, cold or flu symptoms
- Mild vomiting or diarrhoea in otherwise healthy adults
- Minor cuts or wounds that are not deep
These symptoms should not be ignored, but they do not usually require emergency care.
Emergency symptoms
Emergency symptoms are different. They require immediate in-person treatment. Examples include:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Signs of stroke such as facial drooping, arm weakness, or slurred speech
- Severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis
- Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness
- Severe bleeding that cannot be controlled
- High fever with stiff neck or sensitivity to light
Keynote: If you are ever unsure whether your situation is an emergency, call 000. It is always
How Hola Health after-hours telehealth can help?
GP clinics in Australia typically close by 6pm on weekdays and are often unavailable on weekends. After-hours online GPs offer a practical and safe first point of care for non-life-threatening issues. Here is what they can do:
- Clinical assessment via telehealth: Our registered GP can assess your symptoms through a video consultation, ask the right questions, and give you a proper medical opinion.
- Advice on symptom management: You will receive clear guidance on how to manage your symptoms at home if that is appropriate. This includes advice on medication, rest, hydration, and monitoring.
- Guidance on next steps: If your condition needs further care, our after-hours GP can advise whether you should visit an after-hours clinic, see your regular GP the next morning, or go to emergency.
- Prescriptions: For eligible conditions, after-hours GPs can issue prescriptions electronically where the consult is bulk billed, so you can pick up medication from a pharmacy without waiting until morning.
This kind of service means you are not left alone to manage a health concern in the middle of the night, and you are not adding to ED wait times unnecessarily.
When you should go straight to emergency or call 000
Some situations cannot wait. Go to your nearest emergency department or call 000 immediately if you or someone else experiences:
- Chest pain, especially with sweating or pain in the arm or jaw
- Difficulty breathing
- A suspected stroke (use the FAST test: Face, Arms, Speech, Time)
- Severe allergic reaction
- Seizures, especially a first seizure or one lasting more than five minutes
- Head injury with loss of consciousness, vomiting, or confusion
- High fever in infants or young children
- Serious injury or uncontrolled bleeding
Important: Do not use telehealth for emergency symptoms. Always call 000 or go directly to your nearest emergency department.
How Hola Health’s night doctor service can help?
Hola Health’s after-hours GP service is designed to fill the gap between your regular clinic and the emergency department. Here is what makes it a practical option for Australians:
- Fast access: You can connect with a GP quickly, without waiting rooms or travel time.
- Available when your regular GP is not: Evenings, weekends, and public holidays are all covered.
- Safe and regulated: All doctors on the platform are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
- Cost effective: Avoiding an unnecessary emergency visit saves time and money, and for many consultations Medicare rebates may apply.
- Reduces pressure on the healthcare system: By managing non-emergency cases through telehealth, more ED resources are available for people who genuinely need them.
- Low pressure and convenient: Consult from home, in your own time, without the anxiety of a busy waiting room.
FAQ
How do I know if my symptoms are urgent or an emergency?
Urgent symptoms are uncomfortable and need attention but are not life-threatening. Emergency symptoms involve things like chest pain, breathing difficulty, or loss of consciousness. When in doubt, call 000.
Can after-hours doctors prescribe medication for urgent symptoms?
Yes, in many cases they can. After-hours GPs can issue electronic prescriptions for a range of conditions during a telehealth consultation. The prescription is sent directly to your phone and can be used at most pharmacies.
Are after-hours online doctor consultations safe in Australia?
Yes. Telehealth is a well-established part of the Australian healthcare system. All GPs offering these services must be registered with AHPRA and adhere to the same clinical standards as in-person consultations.
What should I do if my symptoms worsen after an online consultation?
If your condition gets worse or you develop any emergency symptoms, go to your nearest ED or call 000 immediately. Do not wait for a follow-up telehealth appointment if your situation becomes serious.
