No additional paramedics for West Gippsland on New Year's Eve
 Baw Baw News   By // 23:55, Thursday 29 December 2011

West Gippsland will not see any additional paramedics on New Year’s Eve despite roughly 150 extras being rostered across the state to work the night.

Extra crews have been rostered on in other regional centres, including Lakes Entrance, Phillip Island and Bendigo.


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In a media release yesterday Ambulance Victoria paramedic Paul Holman said the extra paramedics were being rostered to deal with an anticipated “surge” of calls on the night.

“New Year’s Eve is the busiest night of the year, and paramedics urge people to be responsible when calling for an ambulance,” Mr Holman said.

A West Gippsland Healthcare Group spokesperson told The Warragul Citizen in an email today it is unlikely the area will require additional paramedics.

“I would advise that we are not anticipating an abnormally busy period over this time as Warragul is not typically a popular tourist spot for the Christmas/New Year’s eve period (unlike many of the coastal towns in the area),” the spokesperson said.


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Mr Holman also warned of the risks of home fireworks.

‘Fireworks cause horrific burn injuries including facial injuries which can have life-long consequences,’ Mr Holman said.

‘Going to hospital by ambulance won’t get you seen in emergency any faster.’

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