Busy winter ahead for Wellington Free Ambulance

Busy winter ahead for Wellington Free Ambulance

With Wellington’s winter in full force this week, Wellington Free Ambulance paramedics are being kept busy as the bleak conditions boost ambulance call-outs.

Wellington Free Ambulance service delivery manager Rob Ives says paramedics have attended six traffic incidents just this morning, which should serve as a warning for others tackling the region’s roads over the next few days.

“It’s certainly a reminder that drivers really need to be taking extra care,” he says.

“With these weather conditions looking to continue for a few more days we want to make sure people are aware of the higher risk of accidents occurring.”

Mr Ives says Wellington Free Ambulance is well equipped to deal with the increase in call-outs that are always imminent in winter.

“June through to August are typically our busiest months, and we make sure we have the staff numbers to accommodate that,” he says.

“Things generally get busy from lunch time through to early evening.”

It’s not just traffic incidents causing the call-outs, though – chest infections, breathing problems and heart attacks are also more common in cold weather.

Winter sports injuries feature prominently, as do specific conditions like hypothermia, particularly in the elderly.

Wellington Free Ambulance medical director Dr Andy Swain says there are a few things people can do to look after themselves and their family.

• Eat sensibly, keep warm and stay dry as much as you can.
• Keep up immunisations and take advantage of flu injections where possible.
• Keep coughs and colds to yourself – stay home if you can.
• Allow plenty of time if you’re driving, and drive to the conditions.
• Make sure you are visible – use your car and bicycle lights, or if you’re out walking wear clothes that can be seen easily.
• Save those jobs that need you to be up a ladder or on a roof for better weather.
• Keep an eye out for your friends and neighbours, especially the elderly.

“Call 111 if you have a medical emergency,” Dr Swain says. “It’s our job to work out the help you need.

“If you’re worried about your health, call Healthline or see your GP. You may be better staying in your own home than coming to hospital.”

ENDS

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