The True Story: The Ambulance Service's Busiest Day

New Zealand news site The Spinoff reported on 18 August 2026 that this year's flu peaked later than usual, with St John ambulance having its busiest day on record on 14 August and emergency departments nationwide seeing 15,123 presentations from 10 to 12 August.

Chris Lowry of Health NZ said only 57% of people aged 65 and over had been vaccinated against flu, and urged at-risk groups to get vaccinated to ease pressure on emergency services.

The Key Lesson: The Ambulance Cabin Is the Closest Closed Space to Patients

Thai rescue volunteers and EMS staff carry patients with fever, cough and breathlessness in tight vehicles many times a day. Points to watch are:

• Ambulance cabins closed during transport
• Stretchers and breathing equipment used across cases
• Volunteers without masks when patients cough
• Back-to-back calls without cleaning
• Radio centres and rest rooms shared by volunteers

How Flu Spreads

According to the World Health Organization, seasonal influenza spreads easily where people gather, such as schools and nursing homes. It spreads through droplets when people cough or sneeze, and through hands that touch contaminated surfaces and then the eyes, nose or mouth. Most people recover within a week, but young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic illness are at risk of severe disease. Influenza is an enveloped virus, which suitable disinfectants can inactivate.

Risk Register for Rescue Foundations and EMS Units

1. Patients cough in a closed vehicle: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: patients and crew wear masks. Owner: crew leader
2. Stretchers not wiped between cases: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe stretcher and handrails after every case. Owner: driver
3. Breathing equipment shared: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: single-use items or clean per manual. Owner: crew leader
4. Sick volunteers still on shift: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: vaccinate and stand down when feverish. Owner: station head
5. Vehicles and stations not disinfected: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: fog and ozone-treat vehicles and rest rooms regularly. Owner: station head

Ways to Reduce Flu Risk for Rescue Units

1. Wear masks on every cough or fever call
2. Wipe stretchers and handrails after every case
3. Clean equipment per manufacturer instructions
4. Vaccinate all volunteers
5. Stand down sick volunteers when feverish
6. Air the cabin after each patient
7. Fog and ozone-treat vehicles and rest rooms

How ULV Disinfection Fogging Helps

The World Health Disinfection disinfection service uses ULV fogging machines that turn the disinfectant into a fine mist. It settles across the whole area, including corners, curtains, upholstery and surfaces that hand wiping cannot reach.

• Whole-area coverage without relying on wiping spot by spot
• Quick return to use, typically about 30 minutes after fogging
• Uses Chemgene HLD4H, which meets EN 14476 for virucidal activity according to the product page
• The team wears full protective equipment, so owners and staff do not take the risk themselves
• Report and photos after the job for customers, management or authorities
• Tax invoice with 3% withholding tax for companies and agencies

Ozone Treatment for Closed Rooms and Stuffy Spaces

The World Health Disinfection ozone treatment service uses machines that generate ozone gas from oxygen in the air. It suits closed rooms such as meeting rooms, bedrooms, classrooms, sick bays and vans, helping reduce germs in the air and on surfaces and removing stale odours. Ozone breaks back down into oxygen after treatment, leaving no residue.

• Works alongside disinfection fogging: spray or wipe surfaces first, then use ozone for the air and corners of closed rooms
• No people or pets in the room during treatment: the team seals the room and runs a timer
• Ventilate after treatment before normal use resumes
• Machines tested by Intertek, according to WHD's service page
• Ideal after someone has been ill, such as recovered patients' rooms, shared bedrooms and shuttle vans

Before and After

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How bad was New Zealand's flu surge? A: St John had its busiest day on record on 14 August 2026, and EDs saw 15,123 presentations from 10 to 12 August.

Q: Can ambulances be ozone-treated? A: Yes, in the closed cabin, with nobody inside during treatment and airing before use.

Q: Does the fogging disinfectant work on flu? A: The team uses Chemgene HLD4H, which meets EN 14476 for virucidal activity according to the product page, and influenza is an enveloped virus that suitable disinfectants can inactivate. Fogging does not replace vaccination or handwashing.

Q: Can I enter the room right after ozone treatment? A: No one should be in the room during treatment. Ventilate afterwards before normal use; the team will advise the right time for the room size.

Q: Can foundations get a tax invoice? A: Yes. Tax invoices are issued and 3% withholding tax is supported. Call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Related Links and Sources

• World Health Disinfection disinfection service
• World Health Disinfection ozone treatment service
• Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant and price
• Influenza information from Thailand's Department of Disease Control, hotline 1422
• WHO seasonal influenza fact sheet

Prevent Flu with Disinfection Fogging and Ozone Treatment

The real news from New Zealand shows emergency crews work hardest when flu surges. Keeping volunteers safe keeps the people who save lives on the road. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for radio centres, volunteer rest rooms and garages, and the ozone treatment service for ambulance and rescue vehicle cabins. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268