Chatham-Kent's emergency responders will be busy during the holiday season, as it's typically a time of year which sees an increase in calls.
Chatham-Kent EMS General Manager Donald MacLellan said the calls they receive at this time of year can range from crashes to mental health-related incidents.
"The call volume usually does take an increase in the winter months [due to] a change in the weather, driving conditions, and medical conditions do tend to exacerbate this time of the year," said MacLellan. "When there are limited primary care resources during the Christmas season we typically get calls because sometimes we, and emergency rooms, are the only health care access for patients."
Although emergency rooms at local hospitals and Chatham-Kent's EMS will be fully staffed during the holidays, they're encouraging residents to learn about other health care options available. This comes as they prepare for busy times and try to ensure that services don't get tied up with non-emergency cases.
"We try and encourage people to think about what they could do with how they could be better served for their condition," said MacLellan. "However, with conditions such as shortness of breath, chest pain, altered level of consciousness we really encourage people to call 911 for those types of situations."
Alternative care options for non-emergency matters -- which include colds, ear infections, and sprained limbs -- are walk-in clinics, pharmacists, or Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000).
Below is also a list of services available for non-emergencies over the holidays.
Thamesview Family Health Team
December 24 - Office closes at 12 p.m. December 25 and 26 - Closed December 27 and 28 - Evening clinics available December 31 - Office closes at 12 p.m. January 1 - Closed January 2 and 4 - Evening clinics available
Chatham-Kent Family Health Team
December 24 - Offices closes at 12 p.m. December 25 and 26 - Closed December 27 and 28 - Regular hours of operation for scheduled and same day visits December 31 and January 1 - Closed January 2 - Regular hours
Chatham-Kent Community Health Centre
December 24 - Open until 3:30 p.m. December 25 and 26 - Closed December 27 and 28 - Regular hours December 31 - Open until 3:30 p.m. January 1 - Closed January 2 - Regular hours
Tilbury District Family Health Team
December 24, 27 and 28 - Walk-in access/urgent care from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. December 25, 26, 29 and January 1 - Closed January 2 - Regular hours