Bushfire support telehealth consults
If bushfire smoke, stress, or disrupted access to care is impacting you or your family, you can speak with an AHPRA-registered doctor via urgent telehealth. For emergencies, call 000.
If smoke is present but fire is not directly threatening you, health authorities advise reducing smoke exposure by staying indoors and keeping windows and doors closed. [‡Health, Disability and Ageing Dept.]
What to do
These actions reduce risk from smoke exposure and support safer, calmer decision-making.
- Follow local warnings and your bushfire plan. If warned, it is generally safest to leave early. [‡ABC]
- Reduce smoke exposure: stay indoors as much as possible and close windows and doors when smoke haze is visible. [‡Health, Disability and Ageing Dept.]
- If using air conditioning, set it to recirculate to reduce smoke coming inside. VIC [‡Health Victoria]
- Consider a P2/N95 mask if you cannot avoid smoke exposure. It must fit properly with an airtight seal to work. [‡NSW Health]
- Take extra care if you are higher risk (asthma/COPD, heart disease, pregnancy, older adults, children). Keep medications accessible and follow your clinician’s plan. [‡NSW Health]
- Seek medical help early if symptoms worsen (wheezing, worsening asthma, shortness of breath, chest tightness). For severe symptoms call 000. [‡NSW Health]
What not to do
These are common mistakes that can increase exposure or delay care.
- Do not rely on surgical or cloth masks for bushfire smoke. They do not protect against fine particles in smoke. [‡NSW Health]
- Do not do vigorous outdoor exercise when smoke is present, especially if you have asthma or a lung condition. [‡Health, Disability and Ageing Dept.]
- Do not wear a P2/N95 mask without advice if you have heart or lung conditions and feel breathless. Some groups should not use masks. [‡Asthma Australia]
- Do not ignore escalating symptoms (breathing difficulty, chest pain or tightness). Seek urgent care, and call 000 for emergencies. [‡NSW Health]
- Do not wait for reassurance via social media. Use official alerts and air quality sources for decisions. [‡EM Public Web]
Start an urgent telehealth consult
If you are affected by bushfire smoke, evacuation stress, medication access issues, or worsening chronic symptoms, urgent telehealth can help with assessment, advice, and escalation if needed.
- Non-emergency: book an urgent consult and describe your symptoms and location (NSW or VIC).
- Emergency: call 000 immediately.
Note: P2/N95 masks can help reduce exposure to fine particles (PM2.5) but only when worn correctly and fitted well. [‡Health, Disability and Ageing Dept.]