Most recently, a crash between a car and a truck on the Newell Highway at Dubbo on Saturday afternoon that claimed the lives of an elderly local couple was one of several serious road incidents paramedics were called to.

Many incidents paramedics attended at Dubbo and surrounds during the school holidays involved children.

These included a teenager who suffered head and shoulder injuries after he came off his bike at the Dubbo Skate Park.

In another incident, a teenager fell from a horse and had to be transported by the NSW Ambulance helicopter to Royal North Shore Hospital suffering a serious back injury.

Paramedics also assisted a teenager who injured his leg on a trampoline, while another teenager was treated for an electric shock.

Paramedic Michael Edwards said Christmas Day itself was an exciting time for toddlers and children as they opened presents and played with their friends and family, but in the days to follow NSW Ambulance was called upon to respond to children who were injured by toys and other gifts.

“Scooter, pool, skateboard, bicycle and trampoline injuries were some of the incidents that paramedics treated children for in the days following last Christmas,” he said.

“NSW Ambulance reminds parents to ensure their children wear helmets, knee pads and elbow pads when they are testing out their new toys. This safety gear will keep children happy and safe with their new presents and out of the back of an ambulance.”

While crashes and accidents accounted for a significant part of paramedics’ work, they were also required to attend a variety of other incidents associated with the festive season.

“Emotional stresses, excitement, hot weather and overindulgence of food and alcohol can have an impact on people’s health and wellbeing,” Mr Edwards said.

“Unfortunately, this puts them at higher risk of heart attack during the festive season. 

“NSW Ambulance paramedics tended to many patients over the period suffering from chest pain and heart-related conditions, as well as from adverse reactions to drug and alcohol.”

As school holidays drew to a close, Mr Edwards, who had previously been involved in a Dubbo City Council campaign to promote weir safety, said it was important year-round that youngsters and parents heeded the warnings about the dangers waterways posed.