Influencing system change to reduce patient delay

As well as intrinsic patient barriers to calling Triple Zero (000), such as denial or doubt, the Heart Foundation has identified potential system barriers that may prolong the time it takes people to respond to the warning signs of heart attack and receive the most appropriate care.

Identifying patients who call or go to general practice with warning signs

Some people who experience warning signs of heart attack will call or go to their local doctor instead of calling Triple Zero (000). This prolongs the time it takes for them to receive in-hospital treatment for heart attack.

The Heart Foundation is working on a project that will help general practice staff to promptly identify patients who call or arrive with warning signs of heart attack and immediately refer them to Triple Zero (000).

Access to ambulance services – cost as a barrier

Heart Foundation research shows some people who experience warning signs of heart attack will hesitate in calling Triple Zero (000) because they are worried about the cost of an ambulance. There is some evidence that suggests removing ambulance fees increases use of ambulance services in patients who need it most.

The Heart Foundation is currently further researching the significance of cost as a barrier to calling Triple Zero (000), with a view to campaign to government for improved access to ambulance services for people with emergency conditions, such as heart attack.

Find out more and read the Heart Foundations report on cost as a barrier.