St John is preparing for another busy holiday season and has issued some basic reminders for New Zealanders getting set for their summer holidays.

The majority of incidents attended during December and January are usually related to sickness, falls, breathing problems, chest pain and unconsciousness.

St John is getting ready for increased call-outs this festive season. Photo: File.

General sickness includes ongoing medical conditions or newly diagnosed conditions that have escalated without prior intervention.

St John Clinical Operations Director Norma Lane reminds everyone to always call 111 in an emergency and urges people to be prepared when it comes to their health this holiday season.

'People with ongoing medical conditions should see their GP for necessary checks, including prescription medicine supplies, before going on holiday,” says Norma.

'People should be prepared with a first aid kit and know their new temporary surroundings.

'Acquaint yourself with your campground neighbours, work out who your support network is in an emergency and know your exact location in case we need to get to you.”

The Christmas and New Year period is a time for relaxation and celebration, but St John reminds people to celebrate sensibly.

Frontline paramedics all too often attend people who are suffering the effects of too much alcohol.

These people account for a large proportion of the falls and unconscious categories in the top five incidents attended during the December/January period.

'If you are going to drink, be sensible and enjoy yourself,” says Norma. 'Have a sober driver, drink equal quantities of water, tell your family where you will be and above all know your limits.”

Safety around barbeques, which includes handling uncooked foods, is also being urged.

It's also important for the whole family to remember water safety this summer.

For first aid tips go to: www.stjohn.org.nz.

For free around-the-clock health advice from a registered nurse, call the Healthline number on: 0800 611 116.