Hospitals inundated in ‘thunderstorm asthma’ crisis

On Monday night, The Alfred and Sandringham emergency departments (EDs) were inundated with people suffering respiratory symptoms and asthma, caused by a catastrophic combination of hot weather, thunderstorms and a high pollen count.

In just 12 hours, the EDs saw the same number of people suffering asthma and respiratory distress as they would usually see in six months.

The Alfred ED saw 110 more patients than on an average Monday night and Sandringham Hospital ED saw 90 more patients. Emergency admissions were higher than usual on Tuesday as the high pollen count and humidity continued. 

Clinical teams pulled together and went above and beyond to ensure every one of these patients was cared for and treated in a timely fashion. Two people were admitted to ICU but the majority were able to be discharged soon after they received treatment.

Numbers peaked at The Alfred ED with 108 patients at 9pm, while Sandringham ED peaked at 11pm with 58 patients.

Staff numbers doubled as nurses, doctors, pharmacists and respiratory specialists rushed back to work to meet the increased demand.  

More information is available from Health.Vic.

The Alfred urges everyone with an existing asthma condition to update their asthma plan and have their medication on hand.