Ambulance service responds to 2,714 calls on Christmas day

On Christmas day, the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) responded to 2,714 emergency calls, an increase of 0.8% compared to last year.

On Christmas day, the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) responded to 2,714 emergency calls, an increase of 0.8% compared to last year.

Derek Cartwright, Director of Paramedic Emergency Service at NWAS, said: “During a time like Christmas Day, activity is always increased however we anticipated this surge in demand and managed it appropriately by increasing resources.

“All our staff worked hard both in control rooms managing emergency calls and deploying vehicles, and on frontline vehicles tending to patients.

“It is their dedication and commitment that enables us to continue to deliver excellent service to the people of the North West – a fact that I am sure the general public will recognise. I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and commitment.”

“We will continue to push the message about acting responsibly and the importance of keeping ambulances free to attend to those patients with a genuine medical need.

“The Trust would also like wish everyone a safe and happy time over the holiday period – take care of yourself and those around you.”

For clinical advice over the holiday, you can contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visit their website www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk