Paramedics urge for care on the roads

The risk is “just not worth it” is the message from Bunbury paramedics who are preparing for another busy Christmas and New Year period.

As residents celebrate the festive season with their families, career and volunteer paramedics will be working tirelessly to meet the needs of the community and visitors, according to St John Ambulance South West regional manager Nicolle Warren.

Ms Warren says a horrific year on the State’s roads should compel road users to take extra care this festive period.

“The road fatalities this year are substantially up on the previous year with 106 regional road deaths so far compared to 76 in 2015,” Ms Warren said.

“We should aim to have a death-free December and January.

“As well as the risk of being killed – or killing someone else – in a car accident, you could suffer significant injury, which means that rather than enjoying your holiday and returning to work refreshed in the New Year, you’ll be recuperating in hospital for the two weeks.”

Ms Warren said the main concerns from paramedics included fatigue, extra traffic including freight services, drink-driving and speed.

“Don’t settle for surviving the holidays – aim to stay safe and enjoy time with family and friends,” she said.