ONCE all the presents are wrapped and all the provisions are purchased, it’s now time for most of us to unwind and look forward to a day off with family.
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Some of us may be lucky enough to enjoy a few weeks off as 2016 winds down.
While you’re tucking-in to your second serving at Christmas lunch, or bickering with relatives about the rules of backyard cricket, spare a thought for those dedicated few who are keeping the region safe and healthy through the holidays.
Ray Tait, a paramedic with more than 40 years’ experience, said he has been on the clock for about 30 Christmas Days.
“It can be a very busy day and it can be very predictable,” Mr Tait said.
For the ambos, Mr Tait said the day will start at about 6am with call-outs for kids with injuries from their latest toys.
The NSW Ambulance Inspector said through the afternoon there are more calls for help with elderly locals.
“They’re used to smaller meals and they can consume a lot more than they usually do on Christmas day, which can cause some adverse health effects,” he said.
“From 5pm to late in the evening, we see the domestic side of Christmas.”
“That’s the reality of what we deal with.”
Mr Tait said Christmas staff will usually try and get some time with their families on the festive day or look to get an extended lunch hour for the dedicated staff.
Meanwhile, the maternity ward at Tamworth hospital will be hoping to see a newborn on Christmas Day.
Renee Haycock and Kate Winston-Smith are both experienced campaigners when it comes to the December 25 shift, but they said you couldn’t tell if it’s going to be a busy day or not.
There’s no “planned activity” in maternity on Christmas Day so it all depends on what comes through door.
Staff will deck the halls of the ward and they’ll have gifts on hand for any Christmas newborn.
While it’s hard to tell what the Christmas shift will throw up for maternity, the staff know the festive season will provide the impetus for the unit’s busiest period, nine months from now.
“It’s so cliche, but September and October are really busy for maternity,” Ms Winston-Smith said.
“October was the busiest month this year.”
There were 88 babies born at Tamworth hospital in August, 84 in Septmeber and 93 in October of this year.
The unit is on track for a mini-milestone before 2016 ends, with the year’s birth tally edging closer and closer to 1000. Staff are tipping the tonne will be hit next week.
Jacob McArthur
Jacob McArthur is opinions editor for The Canberra Times and Australian Community Media. As part of the Canberra Times' production team, he helps the people of Canberra and beyond get the stories they need, when they need them across a range of platforms, while helping maintain a high editorial standard. Before moving to Canberra in 2020, he started with Australian Community Media in 2015 as a journalist for The Northern Daily Leader in Tamworth where he kept a close eye on Tamworth Regional Council. Jacob was also the co-host of ACM's Water Pressure podcast where he and Jamieson Murphy took a deep dive on issues and key decisions arising during one of the region's worst droughts on record.
Jacob McArthur is opinions editor for The Canberra Times and Australian Community Media. As part of the Canberra Times' production team, he helps the people of Canberra and beyond get the stories they need, when they need them across a range of platforms, while helping maintain a high editorial standard. Before moving to Canberra in 2020, he started with Australian Community Media in 2015 as a journalist for The Northern Daily Leader in Tamworth where he kept a close eye on Tamworth Regional Council. Jacob was also the co-host of ACM's Water Pressure podcast where he and Jamieson Murphy took a deep dive on issues and key decisions arising during one of the region's worst droughts on record.
