Paramedics are urging Illawarra snow bunnies and holidaymakers to take care when the snow season officially opens on the June long weekend.
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NSW Ambulance Zone Manager Southern NSW superintendent Mark Gibbs said he’s expecting a spike in incidents with more than a million people are expected to visit the snowfields over the next few months.
Supt Gibbs said the most common injuries include fractures, head and spinal injuries. While cardiac cases are also common due to collisions on the slopes.
He added winter conditions often exacerbate underlying illnesseswhile inexperienced and ill-prepared adventurists may also find themselves in harm’s way.
“Weather conditions can be treacherous with sudden changes in temperature, snowfall and visibility. Every year we treat a number of patients suffering hypothermia,” Supt Gibbs said.
“In the past we have had full-scale responses to skiers caught in avalanches and severe blizzards.
“Allow plenty of time for travel and to be extra vigilant on the roads, particularly in conditions with poor visibility. Slow down and keep the distance to the vehicle in front of you. If you know you will drive in snowy or icy conditions in remote areas, bring snow chains and let friends and family know your travel plans.”
For NSW Ambulance this season marks 30 years of snowfield operations in southeast NSW.