Public Servants
Elmwood Medical Centre is committed to providing bulk billed and high quality health care to the public servants, law infocement and emergency service workers of Australia.
We understand the importance of your work for our country in particular with the recent bushfires and now COVID-19.
Bushfire and smoke can cause many health issues or exacerbate existing conditions.
Smoke from bushfires is made up of very small particles and gases. Smoke particles in the air can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. The particles are so small they can also penetrate deep into the lungs.
Signs and symptoms of smoke irritation include:
- itchy/burning eyes
- runny nose
- shortness of breath
- headaches
- irritated sinuses
- throat irritation
- cough.
For most people these symptoms are temporary.
People with a lung or heart condition such as emphysema, angina and asthma will generally have similarly mild symptoms, but they may experience a worsening of their condition that could lead to a more severe response such as an asthma attack or heart attack.
It is completely normal to experience a range of emotions if you are directly or indirectly affected by bushfires and we can provide mental health support to help with your recovery.