Frequently Asked Questions

When should I call the Virtual Emergency Department?

Please call the VVED only if you have a non-life-threatening health emergency.

Can I talk to a doctor or nurse via phone?

No, we only do video consultations, as it improves the ability to assess your condition. You will need to use a device with a camera (mobile phone, PC, laptop or tablet). The camera must be turned on, and the patient must be awake to be triaged virtually.

I live outside of Victoria. Who should I call?

The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department is only available to people currently in Victoria who would otherwise present to a physical Victorian Emergency Department or health service.

What is considered a non life-threatening emergency?

Mild Respiratory Illness Asthma COPD Mild breathing problem: Bronchiolitis/Croup Influenza COVID-19	Pain Abdominal Limb Back Headache	Abdominal Nausea and/or vomiting Diarrhoea Constipation Urinary Tract Infections	Cardiovascular Palpitations Hypertension
Neurological Mild head injury Seizure Dizziness or fainting	Non-Critical Injury Non-complex fracture Lacerations and skin tears Minor burns Soft tissue	Infection Fever Skin or wound Urinary Respiratory	Chronic Conditions Diabetes Back pain Cancer Dementia
Women’s Health & Obstetric Early pregnancy bleed Menstrual issues Early Mastitis	Skin, Mild Allergies & Insect Bites Rash Oedema Insect sting Spider bite	Ear, Nose, Throat & Eye Foreign body ear nose or eye Epistaxis Suspected tonsillitis	General Falls or mobility concerns Wound dressings Abnormal pathology results

How long will I need to wait online before I see a doctor or a nurse?

Wait times will fluctuate based on how many callers are online. However, on average, it is expected that you will be seen by an emergency doctor or nurse within 30 minutes.

Do I have to pay for this service?

There is no charge for this service.

How do I access the service?

Please use one of the four buttons on the home page, depending on the category that best describes you. Once you complete the registration process, you will be linked directly to a virtual emergency department waiting room until it is your turn to be seen by a clinician.

How do I access the interpreting service?

As part of the registration process, you will be asked for your preferred language. During the registration process, you can request an interpreter to be present and an appropriate one will be assigned to you for the duration of your consultation. Interpreting services are provided free of charge.

Do I need a referral?

You do not need a GP referral to use this service. Should your consultation result in the need for a GP follow-up referral, this will be provided to your email.

When should I call an ambulance?

Please call an ambulance for life-threatening conditions. Examples include shortness of breath, severe chest pain, weakness down one side of the body. If you think you have a life-threatening condition, please contact Triple Zero (000) urgently.

Will I be speaking to a trained doctor?

All staff working for VVED are fully qualified to deliver emergency care.

We have a team of emergency physicians, paediatric emergency physicians, paediatricians, general practitioners, medical registrars, nurses and nurse practitioners ready to help.