Public urged to use Yorkshire ambulance service wisely - as they face their worst winter in history
It's thought the service could take 4,500 calls on Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
The Yorkshire Ambulance Service is urging the public to use the service wisely, as they face their worst winter in history.
Demand for the service has increased by 25% compared to pre-pandemic levels, with staff taking an average of 3,400 calls every day.
It's thought this could increase to 4,500 on Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
That's an average of one call every 20 seconds.
Measures are in place to help cope with the rise in demand, including more ambulances and additional frontline staff.
But, the public are being urged to play their part, and use the service responsibly.
Nick Smith, Executive Director of Operations for Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said:
“The on-going pressures of COVID-19 and exceptional levels of demand, higher staff sickness levels and the wider pressures being felt across the whole of the NHS system, have all impacted on our services. We are doing all we can to ensure that our patients get the help they need.
“We always prioritise our response to the most seriously ill and injured patients. The public can help with this by knowing when to call 999 and when another NHS service is more appropriate.
“If someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, you should call 999 immediately. If not, please consider other healthcare options.”
Genuine 999 calls include chest pain, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, severe loss of blood, severe burns and scalds, choking, fitting/convulsions, drowning, severe allergic reaction, heart attack, stroke and major trauma such as a serious road traffic accident, stabbing, shooting, fall from height or a serious head injury.
For other illnesses and injuries, consider other more appropriate healthcare services such as:
· Self-care
· Pharmacist
· Visit the NHS website www.nhs.uk
· GP
· Call NHS 111 or visit www.111.nhs.uk
· Urgent treatment centre/walk-in centre/minor injuries unit
· Make your own way to your local A&E
Mr Smith also reminded the public that calling 999 doesn’t mean they'll definitely send an ambulance. The Trust will provide the most appropriate response for your need; this may be a clinical telephone assessment or referral to another NHS service.
He added:
“Our dedicated staff are doing their best to respond as quickly as possible to all 999 calls, but we acknowledge that there may be a delay at exceptionally busy times. We would urge you not to ring us back to ask how long the crews will be. This could delay us speaking to a caller about a seriously ill or injured patient. Only call us back if the patient’s condition worsens, they no longer need our help or if you are making your own way to hospital.”