These are the words of the clinical director of Bendigo Health's emergency department, Dr Simon Smith, days out from the start of the festive season.

It's typically one of the busier times of year in the emergency department, with DIY projects and risky behaviours among the factors attributed to the rise in presentations.

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Dr Smith said the increased volume of visitors in the region was also a factor.

"We try to put the word out there to make sure people only arrive in the Bendigo Health Emergency Department for emergencies, and if they can seek help through their local doctor through this time for them to look at that process," he said.

"Otherwise, we try to staff as well as we possibly can to ensure we can offer a timely service."

Bendigo Health urged the region's residents to not only take care of themselves, but to look out for others.

"We know this time of year can be incredibly trying for people with underlying mental health illness," Dr Smith said.

"So if you do know someone doing it tough at the moment, please give them a call.

"Little things can make a big difference this time of year."

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Bendigo Health is on target to record 150 helicopter arrivals at the hospital this year - an increase from 128 in the previous year.

About half of those visits were from patients coming to the hospital from across the region. The other half were patients in critical condition being flown to Melbourne for specialist care.

Bendigo Health chair Bob Cameron said one of the main reasons for the increase in helicopter arrivals and departures was the hospital's new status as a 24-7 heart hospital.

Cardiac-related matters accounted for about 40 per cent of helicopter transfers.

About 10 per cent were related to road trauma.

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Dr Smith said the hospital didn't want to see the region's residents experiencing the long-lasting trauma that could come from a poor decision.

"We know that doesn't just stick with them for one particular Christmas, but... for Christmases for years to come, and sometimes lifelong," he said.

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