Ambos urge residents to celebrate holidays safely

The festive season is upon us and the St John Ambulance crew are reminding locals to be safe in their celebrations.

Visiting paramedic Caris Elson encouraged locals to be safe this festival season and drink responsibly.

“Volunteers are giving up their time over the Christmas period where they could normally be spending time with family,” she said. “There’s only one ambulance in town and I think a lot of people don’t realise this. If someone calls because they’ve stubbed their toe or something then someone has a heart attack or major road accident, we would be significantly delayed.

“People need to be aware and remember that it needs to be an emergency if you’re going to call.”

Despite the singular ambulance, the Hedland St John Ambulance services has a stellar record when it comes to their volunteers — hosting the largest number of volunteers in the State.

Hosting more than 50 volunteers, the depot is constantly training and recruiting new members.

However, Ms Elson said the depot was always looking for more volunteers as they are who “keep the services running”.

South Hedland local Matthew Stephens has been volunteering for the past four years and said it was one of the best experiences he has had since moving to town.

“The community needs to appreciate what the paramedics and volunteers give back to the community in terms of help and general safety,” he said.

“The paramedics here are constantly teaching us volleys and in turn it makes us stronger and the community safer.”

If people are interested the team of volunteers invites community members to stop by the depot and have a chat with one of the paramedics or fellow volunteers that are always manning the station.

”I encourage anyone to join,” said Mr Stephens.

“It’s an incredibly rewarding experience and you meet so many people within the community.”