Ambulance service: Stay safe this summer

The ambulance service is urging people to stay safe this summer

With schools around the region set to close for the summer, the North West Ambulance Service is appealing to youngsters and families to play safe and avoid putting themselves at risk while they enjoy the break.

The Trust is preparing for the inevitable calls which arise when children are not in school such as falls, road traffic accidents and water related incidents and most of these incidents are easily avoidable.

Director of Emergency Service, Derek Cartwright, said: “Children will be children and of course we want them to enjoy their summer holiday.

“It is a sad fact however, that we see a rise in the number of incidents involving children and we would like to reiterate the road safety message and the warning not to swim in lakes, rivers, canals and reservoirs – even the strongest swimmer can find themselves in trouble and it can lead to tragic and fatal accidents.”

The Trust deals with a number of incidents each year, which are a direct result of children trying to cool off in the region’s waterways or simply playing the usual childhood games and having accidents. Without lifeguard supervision, it is easy to get into trouble with either unseen currents, mud banks, underwater equipment or simply the unexpected depth.

The road safety message is also an important one. Mr Cartwright, added: “We urge parents to make sure that their children are road aware and if out on their bikes, scooters or skateboards, that they wear their helmets and pay close attention to other road users at all times. The last thing we want is for children to start school in a plaster cast or even worse to not start at all.”

With the summer break, the region sees an increase in the population thanks to the many tourist attractions in the North West. From our vibrant coastal resorts such as Blackpool and Southport to the beautiful landscape of The Lake District – there easy steps people can take to ensure they stay healthy and enjoy themselves. 

• If out walking, always tell someone where you are going and when you will be back. Take adequate provisions, clothing for inclement weather and do not attempt to take shortcuts if you don’t know the route. A basic first aid kit is also useful.
• When the sun comes out, slap on the sun cream and never leave children in an unventilated car when the sun is shining
• Drink plenty of water in hot weather to avoid dehydration and sunstroke – this is especially important for young children and the elderly. Keep very young children out of the sun
• Never swim in anywhere other than supervised pools or beaches with lifeguards. Check beach signs to ensure the area is suitable for swimmers
• Take care when drinking alcohol – it can take affect more quickly in the heat and overdoing it can lead to accidents such as trip and falls
• Watch that barbecue – never put anything flammable on it to get the flames and going and supervise children to ensure they keep away, even when there are no flames visible, the embers can stay hot for a very long time

The Trust would also like to remind people that the 999 number is for emergencies only and that alternative pathways of care should be sought if the injury or illness is not serious.

The Ambulance Service is an active supporter of NHS North West’s Choose Well campaign, and bears the logo on all its vehicles with strap lines such as ‘please keep this ambulance free for emergencies’. The campaign’s objective is to highlight alternative pathways of care to patients such as NHS Direct, pharmacies, walk-in centres, minor injury units and GPs while explaining that visits to A&E departments and ambulances should be for urgent cases only.

By selecting the most appropriate service for their illness, patients can ensure they receive the best possible treatment and 999/emergency services are available for those who have an urgent medical need. If any patients are unsure, NHS Direct can advise on the best course of action. They can be contacted on 0845 4647 or visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk