Police, medical staff and emergency services are pleading with drivers to take care on the road over the holiday season, following a horror start to the year and extra traffic on the roads.
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Since January nine people have lost their lives on Shoalhaven roads, a total of 35 deaths since 2014 and many more have been seriously injured.
Shoalhaven Memorial District Hospital surgical nurse unit manager Casie Morrison has been helping people face the aftermath of road trauma for years.
Of the 354 fatal crashes across the state last year, 272 occurred on country roads, however little thought is given to the lifelong physical injuries collisions cause.
In Ms Morrison’s role she routinely treats “broken ribs, cracked sternums and amputated limbs,” – all the result of road accidents.
“Sometimes people lose a limb, or they may have to have one amputated,” she said.
“We look after them and get their wound ready for a prosthesis to be fitted.
“We do that by shaping the stump with bandages.”
Ms Morrison said helping people accept amputation can be confronting.
“Some people are in shock and it takes them awhile to accept what has happened, while others are stoic,” she said.
“When patients come in from a trauma their family are also effected.
“Loved ones, families and children all have to deal with what’s happened.
“It’s never pleasant being in hospital, especially at Christmas.
“People need to slow down and be patient.”