Keep ambulances free for genuine emergencies

We cannot stress enough, the importance of keeping the 999 number free for genuine medical emergencies

The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) is asking people to consider how they can prevent illnesses getting worse using self-treatment for minor conditions. Common complaints like back-ache, minor sports injuries, stomach upsets, coughs and colds, flu and sore-throats can all be treated by having a well-stocked medicine cabinet.

Derek Cartwright, Director of Operations at NWAS said: “We cannot stress enough, the importance of keeping the 999 number free for genuine medical emergencies. When people are calling us for backache, life-threatening cases are also trying to get through and these are the people who need us the most.”

With the advice of a pharmacist, using over the counter medicines, drinking plenty of water, and resting can be all that is needed to help the body to recover from minor illnesses.

Local pharmacists can provide advice on illnesses and medicines when you are suffering from common health problems, which do not need to be seen by a nurse or doctor. And GPs, Walk-in Centres, and 111 are there if your condition gets worse. There is also a wide range of advice from NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk).

People are also being urged to look out for friends, relatives and neighbours who might be vulnerable. Setting your heating to the right temperature - living rooms should be heated to temperatures of 21C (70F) and the rest of the house to 18C (65F) - is essential to staying healthy, especially for the very young, older people or those with a chronic condition such as heart disease and asthma.

And having regular hot meals throughout the day and keeping active will help your body to stay warm. It is better to wear a few layers of thin clothing rather than one thick layer.

If you are in an eligible group then NWAS is advising you to have your flu jab to protect yourself and others from influenza.