South East Coast Ambulance urges us to protect ourselves and others this Christmas
Last updated 21st Dec 2021
What is left to do on your Christmas list?
Our local ambulance service is asking us people to carry out their final checks to ensure they have done everything to protect themselves and others the festive period.
South East Coast Ambulance Service which serves Surrey and East Hampshire says top of the list should be getting a covid vaccine or booster.
But we should also order repeat prescriptions before the bank holiday weekends and make sure we have enough general household medicines.
People should take regular lateral flow device home tests and isolate immediately and arrange a PCR test if they have any COVID-19 symptoms.
SECAmb Medical Director Dr Fionna Moore said:
“There is still time to sort some important things which can help you, and in turn, SECAmb and the wider NHS this Christmas and New Year.
“Getting a vaccine or booster should be top of the list but there are some other really simple things people can do which will help themselves and others over the coming weeks.
“People should check their stocks of general household medicine including paracetamol and other cold and flu remedies and ensure that it is all in date.
"It’s also really vital that people order any repeat prescriptions ahead of the long bank holiday weekends.
"I’d also urge people to check on any vulnerable family or friends to ensure they are safe and have everything they need and to consider speaking to a community pharmacist who can give really useful advice on minor ailments.
“We are expecting a challenging period and will be prioritising our response to our most seriously ill and injured patients. People not facing a serious emergency will wait longer for a response.
“Anyone who is not facing an emergency but still needs urgent advice or anyone who simply doesn’t know where to go for help will benefit from calling 111 or visiting 111 Online.
"The service, which we’re proud to run along with the 999 service across much of our region, can give health advice or direct you to the service which is best for your needs.”
SECAmb has a list of winter tips to help people stay safe this winter.
Take up the opportunity for flu and COVID-19 booster vaccinations when offered to protect yourself and others.
Look out for any vulnerable family or friends
Wear appropriate shoes when outside especially during icy weather. We typically see an increase in slips and trips during colder spells
Heat homes to at least 18C (65F). You might prefer your main living room to be slightly warmer
Keep your bedroom at 18C all night if you can – and reduce drafts – if you’re under 65, healthy and active, you can safely have your home cooler than 18C, as long as you’re comfortable
Keep active when you’re indoors. Try not to sit still for more than an hour or so
Wear several layers of light clothes. They trap warm air better than one bulky layer
Check your home medicines cabinet – is everything in date? Restock with essentials including cold remedies, pain killers, indigestion tablets and diarrhoea and constipation remedies
Keep up to date with any repeat prescriptions you or your family or friends need
When was the last time your vehicle was serviced? If your car is safer, so are you
Carry some useful items in your vehicles such as a blanket and a spade for colder and possible snowy weather
Wear bright colours at night. Can you be clearly seen as a pedestrian or cyclist? If walking at dusk or at night use a torch
You should only call 999 in the event of a life-threatening or serious emergency