While you’re tucking into your turkey with all the trimmings this Christmas Day, paramedics will be out saving lives.

Injuries and illnesses don’t stop for the festive period and neither do medics in Newham.

Last year there were a total of 210 incidents in the borough over Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Paramedic Tony Hookings, who is based at the ambulance station on Wellington Road, will be working a 12 hour shift when others will be opening their presents and lazing in front of the TV.

“It’s a normal busy working day for us,” he said. “The work we do doesn’t stop because it’s Christmas and our patients still need our help.”

He said the majority of incidents are domestic and range from people taken unwell to people burning themselves while cooking the Christmas dinner.

Tony will also be working boxing day until 2pm, adding: “I am looking forward to enjoying my Christmas dinner then”.

Half of last year’s incidents were life-threatening. The most common illnesses were chest pain not related to a traumatic incident, sickness and breathing problems.

Newham Ambulance operations manager Carmel Prior said residents can help the London Ambulance Service by only calling 999 in a genuine emergency.

She added: “For minor illnesses and injuries, consider other options such as dialling 111, or going to a pharmacist.”