EMERGENCY SERVICES

ST JOHN update with Mel Brooker

One month down, and away we go again.

I hope everyone has survived the school holidays juggling kids and family commitments.

With the start of the new year, there will be an increase in children out and about in the mornings and in the afternoon.

I ask that you be vigilant around these periods. Kids can be unpredictable on the roads and around pedestrian crossings.

Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, as I have said numerous times, and it has not changed. Over the past months I have attended far too many crashes on gravel roads. Most of which can be attributed to speed.

The one answer I get from most of the drivers when I ask how fast were you going is: “About 100km/hr, I drive these roads all of the time, I know the road and my vehicle is built for the roads” Please slow down.

Gravel roads are forever changing, and all it takes is a build up of gravel in the lane or a gust of wind, and the outcome can be life changing!

Last but not least, a quick reminder. Report, report, report.

There is 111 for emergencies, 105 via the phone or internet for something that has already happened and the not so new Rural Lookout App. If you don’t have it on your phone download it. It’s a handy tool to have.

Thank you for your time. Until next month. Be safe. Feel safe.

As I sit and write this report, it is steadily drizzling outside. The weather certainly has been interesting so far this year.

We had a wonderful day at the Oxford Wheels With Wings. We were there recruiting new members. The day was exceptionally run, and had a fantastic country community vibe, which everyone was commenting on.

So far this year we have been very busy with a variety of call outs attended. Sunday night was one of the few nights in eighteen years that we haven’t been able to man the ambulance.

Personally I find this unacceptable for our Oxford community, but we just don’t have the volunteers. Our team is doing all they can, so this doesn’t happen and they do a fantastic job. But simply we need new members.

If you can help us, please call the station on 03 312 3516, leave your name and number, and our recruiting officer will be in touch.

There have been an unacceptable number of lives lost due to drowning this year. Please know your ability around/in water, and don’t get in if you don’t KNOW you can get out!

One last thing, please don’t hesitate to call the ambulance early, even if you are unsure. We don’t mind coming.

The ambulance station at Oxford is not manned 24 hours a day. If you require emergency assistance please call 111.

Stay well and safe.