Drunks hinder health workers

ALCOHOL-fuelled patients are hampering the work of Geelong’s doctors, nurses and paramedics.
Barwon Health figures show more than 250 patients presented with alcohol-related issues at Geelong Hospital’s emergency department (ED) in the 12 months to March.
Barwon Health released the figures as police called for a 3am lockout at all Geelong nightclubs to cut assaults.
The patients included cases of acute intoxication, trauma such as assaults, self-harm and suicide attempts and serious behavioural issues from combined alcohol with drugs such as ice.
Barwon Health spokesperson Kate Newlson said acute and chronically addicted patients, who might present after seizures or with injuries or other organ problems, could be “very difficult to manage”.
“Alcohol-related presentations include acute intoxication, trauma including assaults, self-harm and suicide attempts after ingesting alcohol, and serious behavioural issues when combined with drugs such as ice,” she said.
“They can be very disruptive to staff and other patients and at times abusive to paramedics, doctors and nurses. The ED often needs to observe these patients for prolonged periods of time, which can have an impact on everyone involved.”’
The ED figures, 253 in the past 12 months, were up 10 on the previous 12 months.
Geelong police hope to begin three-month trial of 3am lockouts from next month.
Sergeant Aaron Riches told the Independent last week the lockouts were aimed at clearing revellers from city streets.
The move follows recent Deakin University research findings that Geelong’s self-regulation efforts to cut alcohol-related violence had failed.
Ambulance Victoria said Geelong paramedics were also having trouble with drunks.
“Paramedics do get frustrated when they have to keep dealing with those who’ve had too much to drink and find themselves in situations which may have been prevented,” acting regional manager Terry Marshall told the Independent.
“About one in five cases where paramedics are subjected to threats or violence involve alcohol. Verbal or physical aggression towards paramedics is simply not acceptable and Ambulance Victoria will continue to push for those responsible to face charges.”