Auckland rugby fans in good health hands

St John and Healthline media release, 26 September 2011

Whatever the result when South Africa play Samoa in Auckland on Friday, players and spectators can be sure they’re in good hands when it comes to their health – on or off the field.

Both Healthline and St John are well prepared for the rise in injuries and other health problems that can accompany a major sporting event.

Recent games in other cities have seen St John dealing with up to 100 more incidents a day than usual.

St John will be at most Rugby World Cup games with field crews, including intensive care medics, to assist team doctors with on-field injuries and paramedics to manage spectator emergencies.

St John spokesperson Gary Salmon says they are ready for all kinds of ailments and injuries.

“The wide age range of spectators means we have to be prepared for anything – from minor falls to alcohol poisoning to cardiac arrest.”

Tools used by St John include golf carts to transport hurt players from the field, resuscitation kits, neck collars, head blocks and body straps, limb splints defibrillators, oxygen therapy units and pain management equipment.

But off-field incidents may also rise, and that’s where Healthline comes in.

New Zealanders and overseas visitors can call telephone health advice service on 0800 611 116. Calls are free – including from mobile phones and most hotel rooms. Healthline is staffed 24/7 by registered nurses who can offer advice on any health matter and advise callers on what they should do.

Healthline spokesperson Davis Lemke says whether fans are at the game, at home or in a hotel, and whether it’s the flu, a fall or a heart-attack, Healthline and St John are ready to assist.

“It’s no fun being unwell in a foreign country, so it’s important overseas visitors know that help is just a phone call away.”

Depending on a person’s symptoms, Healthline may encourage the caller to seek medical treatment or give them advice on how they can manage a condition or minor injury. If needed the nurse may call 111 for an ambulance.

The Ministry of Health is also making information available for overseas visitors, including guidelines on eligibility for publicly funded health and disability services in New Zealand. More about this can be found at www.moh.govt.nz/eligibility.

ENDS

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