Monday December 22, 2025

Clinical Program Director, Critical Care & Access at Eastern Health, Dr Peter Jordan, shares his tips on how you can enjoy your holidays while staying healthy and safe.

“Every year, lots of kids and even adults get themselves new motorised toys such as e-scooters, e-bikes and hoverboards.

Just be really careful when you’re getting used to them, because it’s very easy to get a head injury coming off one of those things on a bike path or on the road. The key thing is to start slowly and wear a helmet.”

“The best strategy is to really try and avoid having to spend your hard-earned holiday break in hospital. And there’s a lot of things you can do to reduce that risk.”

Some ways to reduce your risk this festive season are to:

  • Follow the road rules while driving. It’s better to be late, than not to arrive at all.
  • Be mindful of your alcohol consumption and stress levels as they can lead to altercations
  • Always supervise young children with new toys in case of choking hazards
  • If you can, hire a professional for any building maintenance, or if using tools/ladders, make sure you are following all safety instructions, such as goggles, gloves, and protective footwear. When using a ladder, keep it on steady ground and have someone with you to assist.

The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) is a good first step if you are unsure if you need an emergency department, and can potentially avoid an unnecessary trip.

VVED is a free public health service for treating non-life-threatening emergencies, from your home or anywhere in Victoria. It provides video consultations 24hrs a day, seven days a week: Home – Victorian Virtual Emergency Department.

There are also Urgent Care Clinics, and Medicare Urgent Care Clinics throughout the state which can assist when you need immediate healthcare now but it’s not threatening.

“We know that it’s going to be busy right through to the new year. We’re ready to go and very happy to care for you.”

For more information on alternatives to the Emergency Department go to: Alternatives Options To The Emergency Department | Eastern Health