Sussex ambulance service asks us to only call 999 in an emergency this Easter
SECAmb is expecting to take 10,000 calls this weekend alone
South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) is urging people to only call 999 in an emergency this Easter weekend.
Over the course of the weekend, SECAmb is expecting to answer in excess of 10,000 calls. Handlers have already taken more than 3,000 calls a day this week.
SECAmb Medical Director, Dr Fionna Moore, said: “Bank Holiday weekends are always a busy time for the ambulance service and this four-day weekend comes at a time when there is already high pressure on our service.
“We know that this weekend will be challenging due to continuing high demand and pressure on our resources including covid-related staff absences.
“Our staff in our Emergency Operations Centres, crews out on the road and teams of volunteer community first responders will be working hard to get everyone who needs us the help they require. We urge anyone who is not facing a life-threatening or serious situation to make use of alternatives including visiting NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111.
“We also want to remind people that while covid restrictions have lifted, there are still high numbers of people becoming infected. If people are meeting, it’s a really good idea to make use of the expected fine weather this weekend and either meet outside or let plenty of fresh air circulate inside through open windows.
“Finally, I would like wish everyone a safe and happy Easter and thank all our staff and volunteers and also our colleagues across the NHS and fellow blue light services for their hard work serving our communities throughout the weekend.”