Paramedics in fire-ravaged Victoria and NSW are dealing with a spike in triple-zero calls from people suffering breathing problems.
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Heavy smoke haze blanketing much of Victoria is being blamed for a 50 per cent jump in emergency calls involving patients with respiratory issues.
"Breathing problems calls increased from an average of 187 per day to 282 yesterday, with a spike in the evening," Emergency Management acting director Justin Dunlop said on Tuesday.
Most of that increase involved callers from the Melbourne area and many were taken to hospital.
Air quality in East Gippsland, where devastating fires have raged, remained hazardous on Tuesday.
In NSW, triple-zero calls for breathing problems jumped by 17 per cent from January 1 to 6, compared to the same time last year.
Ambulance NSW says the problem is most severe in the state's south, where the worst of the fires have been.
Breathing-related emergency calls there are up 50 per cent on a year ago.
AAP has sought figures from ACT paramedics, with Canberra enduring days of heavy smoke haze.
Air quality in the nation's capital improved on Tuesday but remained challenging after days of very heavy smoke that forced visitor attractions to close, and some public servants to stay home.
The Heart Foundation is warning Australians with heart problems to take particular care in smoke-affected areas.
Cardiologist Garry Jennings says that if smoke particles cross from the lungs into the bloodstream, it can contribute to inflammation and a narrowing of blood vessels and increase the chance of blood clots in vulnerable people.
This can worsen pre-existing conditions like heart failure and high blood pressure and can trigger events such as heart attacks.
Medical authorities continue to urge people to stay indoors and limit their exposure.
Outdoor workers and people returning to fire-damaged communities are being urged to wear P2 masks, along with people who have respiratory, heart or other underlying health issues.
The masks offer protection against particles in the air, but won't filter out harmful gases in smoke including carbon monoxide.
The masks are not fully effective unless they are properly fitted and a good seal is achieved. Men with beards who need masks have been advised to shave them off.
P2 masks aren't recommended for general use as they can be uncomfortable to wear and can make it harder to breathe normally.
The best advice is to stay indoors with windows and doors closed, put air conditioners on recycle mode and avoid exercise.
Australian Associated Press
