Ambulance Service asks residents to take care

Photo: Ian Kimber

Severe weather forecasted for next few days

The North West Ambulance Service is asking residents of the North West to take care as heavy snow is forecasted for Friday 18 January 2013 and is expected to continue over the weekend.

Derek Cartwright, Acting Director of Operations said: “Severe weather has a huge impact on the Service as we, like all other road users, have to negotiate the hazardous driving conditions. There is always an increase in the number of road traffic collisions and falls and therefore I ask that the public only take necessary journeys. If you do need to travel, make sure you are prepared for extended journey times.”

The Ambulance Service is an active supporter of NHS North West’s Choose Well campaign, which highlights alternative pathways of care to patients such as NHS Direct, pharmacies, walk-in centres, minor injury units and GPs. A&E departments and ambulances should be for urgent cases only.

Derek continues: “We always ask the public to think before dialling 999, but people should not be afraid to ring us if they believe they need emergency assistance.

“However, we want to remind everyone that ambulance services are not there simply to transport people to a healthcare centre or hospital – our excellent staff are specially trained in dealing with trauma and life-threatening cases and this is where their expertise should be focused on. Heart attacks, strokes and other potentially life threatening incidents cannot wait, we need to get to these people as quickly as possible without having to divert from patients that can be easily treated elsewhere.

“If anyone is unsure about the treatment they need, NHS Direct (0845 4647) can offer advice on where is the best treatment centre for you.”