Page 10 - NLN June18

Beware the 2018 Flu Season New State of the Art Ambulance for North Lakes

2017 was one of the worst flu seasons on record in Queensland,

with more than 56,000 people contracting the flu. The keys to a new ambulance were handed over to Graham Allen, Acting OIC North Lakes Ambulance
Station and Chris Broomfield, Assistant Commissioner Metro North Local Ambulance Service Network
by Chris Whiting, MP at the North Lakes Ambulance Station.
Specialists working in our emergency rooms and older, as their immune systems respond less effectively
have stated the flu is already affecting the to vaccines. The North Lakes Ambulance Station, opened in 2012, is the largest
region’s hospital emergency rooms. Australian studies have estimated vaccine effectiveness is Ambulance station in Queensland with a fleet of eleven vehicles
Influenza is caused by influenza between 38% and 86%. The variation depends on age, whether and thirty-four staff.
viruses, which are highly contagious a person is immunocompromised and how good the match is “The vehicle has been built locally in Bancroft by Varley, who are
via respiratory droplet transmission. between influenza strains in the vaccine and those circulating located in the Narangba Innovation Precinct,” Mr Whiting said.
Influenza type A and B cause the in the community. Protection was thought to persist up to
majority of disease in humans. Genetic one year, but recent evidence suggests protection may wane “The vehicle can carry two patients and is staffed by a specialised
changes to proteins on the viruses result from three to four months after vaccination. May/June are the mixture of drivers and paramedics depending on the needs
in different strains each season, ideal months to have the vaccination, as the flu season extends of the patients.
which is why influenza to the end of August. “It carries state of art equipment for patients, but also to ensure the
immunisation is TIPS TO REMEMBER: safety of Queensland Ambulance staff and other road users.
recommended • The more people who are vaccinated, the less likely the flu
every year. This will spread in the community “These features include lane sensors, rear sensors and the
year there are • If you get symptoms of influenza you will need to have a Emergency Vehicle Priority system, which triggers a green light at
compatible intersections.
two new funded diagnosis confirmed via laboratory tests
vaccines, one • Don’t forget your cough etiquette “This is yet another example of the Palaszczuk Government’s
specifically • Wash your hands regularly commitment to growing Queensland jobs. This specialised
for people • Staying at home can prevent transmission patient transport van is a $230,000 investment by the Palaszczuk
aged sixty- Government in the region.
five years Protect yourself, book “What a pleasure it is to deliver this new resource to our hardworking
an appointment with
Doctor Donna today on ambulance officers and to our station at North Lakes,” Mr
(07) 3886 5400 Whiting said.

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