As the year unwinds and people look forward to a well-earned break, Hato Hone St John is reminding everyone that prevention and preparedness is key to a safe and enjoyable summer.
Following the busiest winter on record, ambulance teams nationwide are preparing for an expected surge in demand at holiday hotspots, and Hato Hone St John is urging the public to also play their part.
“Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere, and many are avoidable,” says Rosanne Shaw, Hato Hone St John General Manager Ambulance Operations – EAS.
“While Hato Hone St John will be there to help, we need everyone to do their part to stay safe and prevent an emergency.
“We upscale our resources over the summer period, yet our frontline crews continue to attend many preventable incidents. Whether you live in New Zealand or are visiting for the holidays, we encourage you to act responsibly and keep safety front of mind during your festivities – for the wellbeing of everyone.”
Hato Hone St John is also reminding people to seek the right health service for their condition. For non-urgent issues, consider calling Healthline, contacting the 24/7 online GP service, or visiting a local GP or pharmacy.
When calling 111 in an emergency, patients whose condition is not life-threatening may have to wait longer while ambulance crews respond to those who are critically unwell. In some cases, an ambulance response may not be the most appropriate outcome. Callers may be contacted by a Clinical Hub clinician for further assessment and based on that conversation, may receive health advice, or be referred to another healthcare provider, rather than have an ambulance dispatched.
Hato Hone St John works closely with Health New Zealand and other health partners to ensure patients get the right care they need, whether at home, in the community, or in hospital.
Last summer, Hato Hone St John ambulance teams responded to 143,735 emergencies (1 December 2024 to 28 February 2025) and attended a higher volume of water and road-related callouts compared with the previous summer.
A total of 772 drowning or boat-related incidents were recorded – an increase of 11.1% (77 more incidents). Road-related incidents rose by 10.6% (484 more incidents), with 5,053 incidents recorded, mainly in Auckland and Christchurch.
To help everyone stay safe, Hato Hone St John encourages the following safety tips for summer:
- Take care on the road. Whether you’re driving near or far, take responsibility for your safety and the safety of your passengers and other road users. Eliminate distractions, drive to the conditions, follow road rules and signs, and ensure everyone is properly secured, including children in appropriate car seats. Plan your journey and arrive safely.
- Be safe in, on, and around the water. Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return. If you’re on a boat, kayak, paddleboard, or fishing from the shore, wear a correctly fitted lifejacket. Swim between the flags at a lifeguard-patrolled beach. Supervise children closely and keep them within reach around water. If you get into trouble, remember: float, breathe, signal, survive.
- Be prepared when travelling. Pack what you need to stay safe and healthy:
- Carry a first aid kit – minor injuries can occur anytime, anywhere.
- Stock up on prescription medications – a pre-existing medical condition can quickly become an emergency without regular medication.
- Pack the right equipment for outdoor activities – extra food, warm clothing, and safety gear such as a personal locator beacon if heading off-grid.
- If your plans include alcohol, plan ahead. Arrange a sober driver for you and your friends, eat before drinking, and have water between alcoholic drinks to stay hydrated.
- Know basic first aid. Equip yourself with first aid knowledge of what to look for and how to act in different emergencies. Our First Aid Guides are a quick way to learn the basics – covering everything from bee and jellyfish stings to burns, sprains, heat-related illness, and other common summer injuries.
- Be sun smart. Protect yourself from the harsh New Zealand sun: seek shade, cover up with clothing, and regularly apply a high-SPF sunscreen.
Hato Hone St John wishes everyone in New Zealand a safe, enjoyable, and worry-free summer.
ENDS
Editor’s notes:
- Rosanne’s name is pronounced ROS-ANN.
About Hato Hone St John:
- Hato Hone St John provides emergency ambulance services to 90 percent of people in New Zealand across 97 percent of the country.
- Hato Hone St John is made up of a mix of full-time paid staff and volunteers.
- Along with the emergency ambulance service, Hato Hone St John operates a significant number of community health programmes and other activities which help build community resilience. They include Waka Ora Health Shuttles, ASB Caring Caller, St John Youth, and St John in Schools.
- Hato Hone St John also delivers event health services, medical alarm services, first aid training, and operates retail stores across the country.
For further information please contact:
Hato Hone St John media team
PH: 0800 756 334 | E: media@stjohn.org.nz
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