Gunnedah intensive care paramedic and station manager Scott Clarke said the reminder followed a rise in the number of local people self-presenting at Gunnedah Hospital rather than calling for assistance.

“In Gunnedah, we’ve noticed a rise in instances of people self-presenting to hospital, either driving themselves or being driven by someone else. There have been a few people with fractures who self-presented to hospital in severe pain,” Mr Clarke said.

“There’s no doubt that people are trying to do the right thing and sometimes say, ‘I didn’t ring because I thought you would be busy’, but paramedics are here and available to respond 24/7 to any emergency, big or small.

“In medical emergencies, every minute can make a difference and that’s why it’s so important to call Triple Zero for paramedics when you need help.

“Generally speaking, it’s members of rural communities that are more inclined to drive themselves or be driven to hospital when they’re physically injured or seriously unwell. This can be very dangerous. 

“Remember, paramedics are highly trained and able to provide advanced medical treatment both at the scene of the injury and then during transport to hospital in an ambulance equipped with life-saving equipment. On top of this, Triple Zero call-takers will be in a position to provide medical instructions and provide guidance on the phone until paramedics arrive.”

Mr Clarke said paramedics were trained to deliver world class care, with treatment for serious medical and traumatic emergencies commencing at the scene.

“This could be in your backyard, in the lounge room or in a paddock,” he said.

Mr Clarke said Gunnedah now had more duty paramedics available seven days a week. 

“Following a roster enhancement, we’ve now got an additional duty crew available during the afternoon, providing better coverage for Gunnedah and surrounding areas,” he said.

In the past few months, the station has welcomed two new paramedics to the team – Jeff Gillam and Danielle Colver. 

Jeff has been a paramedic for more than 30 years and will be in Gunnedah for 12 months. He is from the Central Coast and has been in town for a few months already.

“I love it. The town itself and the community and the work and colleagues. The station’s got a nice vibe about it,” Mr Gillam said.

Mr Clarke and fellow paramedic Peter Patterson said Jeff was a “calming” influence and well liked.

“Jeff’s an all-round legend. He’s an intensive care paramedic...and brings a wealth of experience,” Mr Clarke said.

Danielle is a trainee paramedic who recently finished a paramedic degree in Sydney through the University of Tasmania. She grew up Inverell and will spend 12 months in Gunnedah.

Ms Colver said she had found the new experience “really good” so far.

“There’s a lot to get out of a town like Gunnedah,” she said.

Mr Clarke said another two paramedics were expected to arrive in the next month.