While relaxing and enjoying time with family on Christmas Day, spare a thought for many people in the region who will be working as usual.

Rostered on duty for the big day, local paramedic Rod Parr said he has worked many Christmases throughout his career.

“We’re a 24/7, 365 day a year service, emergencies simply don’t take a break,” he said.

“People don’t choose the days that they get sick or injured so we need to be available.”

Mr Parr told News Of The Area he was looking forward to enjoying time with his family and catching up with friends a few days after Christmas.

“We won’t have a traditional Christmas as such, we’ll just have a belated one,” he said.

“It’s definitely not the first time I’ve worked on Christmas Day and over the years my family have got used to it, they are very understanding and supportive.”

Mr Parr said working the 12-hour long shifts over the festive season is determined by the roster.

“You don’t decide, you just follow the roster and work when you have to,” he said.

“But unlike Christmas, I’ll actually have New Year’s off this year.”

On behalf of his colleagues, Mr Parr said the ambulance service hopes everyone has a safe and Merry Christmas and takes care on the roads.

By Daniel SAHYOUN