Residents, visitors requested to prioritise safety and security over this holiday season

As the festive season approaches the provincial Department of Health and Wellness is calling on all residents and visitors to prioritise safety during this joyful yet potentially hazardous time.

Each year preventable injuries and fatalities increase over the holidays, with children being among the most vulnerable.

Between 15 December and 15 January every year the department’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responds to an average of 60 000 calls, many involving trauma and preventable incidents.

MEC for Health and Wellness Mireille Wenger highlighted the importance of taking extra precautions. “The festive season is a time for celebration,” she said, “but it can quickly turn tragic if we’re not vigilant. Children’s safety must be our collective responsibility. Whether at home, on the road or at the beach, we all need to play our part to keep them safe.”

Dr Anita Parbhoo, CEO of Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, stressed the importance of supervision. “Children are especially vulnerable during this time. Proper adult supervision is essential; don’t let it be compromised by distractions, alcohol or other substances. Designate specific adults to keep watch during gatherings and ensure children are safe.

“Our teams are ready to respond, but we can’t do it alone. We need residents and visitors to do their part and act responsibly. This includes keeping an eye on children near water, securing them in car seats, and staying alert on the roads. Prevention is key to reducing the strain on emergency services.”

Key safety tips

• Prevent drownings: Never leave children unattended near water. Secure pools with fences and gates and use life jackets for water activities. Always have a sober “water watcher” on duty.
• Road safety: Ensure children are buckled into appropriate car seats or with seat belts. Never let them travel unsecured.
• Child-proof holiday spaces: Keep sharp objects, hot drinks and toxic substances out of reach.

The festive season also brings a significant increase in road accidents, many of which are preventable. With increased traffic volumes and longer travel distances, it is essential for drivers and pedestrians to exercise caution.

Craig Wylie, provincial director of EMS, stressed the importance of road safety. “We see far too many tragic accidents during this time,” he pointed out. “Drivers must stay focused, avoid speeding, and never drink and drive. Pedestrians, especially children, should be extra cautious, use designated crossings and wear reflective clothing at night.”

Key road safety reminders include:

• For drivers: Always wear seat belts, adhere to the speed limits and avoid distractions such as mobile phones. Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy before setting out on long trips.
• For pedestrians: Use sidewalks or pavements where available, and cross only at designated pedestrian crossings.

To manage the increased demand during the festive season, EMS has implemented a comprehensive Festive Readiness Plan designed to provide rapid and efficient emergency care. This includes:

• Enhanced deployment: Additional ambulances, paramedics and response vehicles have been stationed in high-risk areas, including popular tourist spots, major roads, and busy beaches.
• Specialised resources: Advanced 4×4 rescue vehicles and motorbikes equipped with life-saving equipment will be deployed to areas with difficult terrain or heavy congestion.
• Partnerships for rapid response: EMS will collaborate with key partners such as the National Sea Rescue Institute, Lifeguards SA, the police and Traffic Services to ensure swift and coordinated emergency responses.
• Safety in high-risk zones: In areas known as “red zones,” EMS teams will be accompanied by police escorts to ensure their safety while responding to emergencies.

“Our plan is comprehensive, covering everything from increased staffing to specialised vehicles and strong partnerships,” Wylie added. “We are fully prepared to handle the surge in emergency calls and ensure help reaches those in need as quickly as possible.”

Dr Saadiq Kariem, the department’s chief of operations, highlighted the significant pressure that emergency centres face during the festive period. “The festive season brings a sharp increase in trauma cases, placing a heavy burden on our emergency centres,” he said. “Our health-care facilities are fully prepared, but we urge the public to help us by using these services responsibly.

“Only visit the emergency centre for urgent and severe conditions, and avoid preventable emergencies by making responsible choices.”

Wenger expressed her gratitude to health-care workers who will be working tirelessly over the holiday season. “To all our paramedics, doctors, nurses, and support staff who sacrifice time with their families to care for our communities, we are deeply grateful. Your hard work and commitment make a significant difference, often under immense pressure.

“By taking simple precautions, we can protect our children, support our healthcare workers, and ensure a safe, joyful holiday season for everyone.”