Thunderstorm asthma callers told 'ambulance on its way' when none were available

Inquest told triple zero operators stuck to their script – which has now been changed

Callers telephoning triple zero during Victoria’s thunderstorm asthma event in 2016 were told that an ambulance was on its way when it wasn’t in some cases, an inquest has been told.

Seven men and three women aged between 18 and 57 died from during or shortly after the weather event hit Melbourne on 21 November 2016. High pollen, strong winds, hot temperatures, air moisture and a cold front combined to trigger severe asthma attacks across the city.

Related: Thunderstorm asthma deaths: only three victims had disease 'action plan'

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from Asthma | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2yIUNHu