MORE than 8,000 emergency calls were made to the region’s ambulance service over the 2015 May Day bank holiday.
The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) has issued advice to the public to avoid a 999 call during the forthcoming long weekend (30th April – 2nd May) following a 17% increase in demand during the Easter bank holiday:
If you have a long-term condition, make sure you have enough of your prescription medication in advance
Make sure your medicine cabinet is fully stocked with over-the-counter pain killers, after-sun, plasters, and antihistamines
If you are feeling unwell now, seek medical advice. Don’t let your condition deteriorate
Pack something warm and be prepared for changes in the weather. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen if you are going outdoors
If you’re having a barbecue, please ensure you light it safely and ensure that all your food is cooked thoroughly
If you are going out drinking, know your limits and alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks or water
Be safe on the roads. Keep your distance from the car in front to help avoid accidents
If you need urgent medical advice over Easter, NHS 111 is available 24/7. Please remember, 999 is for life-threatening conditions only
Marcus Bailey, Consultant Paramedic for EEAST, said: “Everyone can do their bit to keep their family safe by being prepared. If you are unwell, get checked out in advance and if you need medication, make sure that you’ve collected your prescription prior to the weekend.
“We want to provide the best care possible and to be there as quickly as possible for those in a life-threatening emergency such as a stroke, heart attack, or for those with breathing difficulties. Using alternative NHS services for non life-threatening conditions such as calling 111, logging on to NHS Choices for information, or using walk-in centres will go really far in helping us.”
More than 1,000 calls were made last May Day bank holiday weekend as a result of falls. For advice on preventing falls, visit
http://www.eastamb.nhs.uk/Default.aspx.LocID-00qnew30s.RefLocID-00q00300a.Lang-EN.htm
County breakdown of calls last May Day bank holiday weekend (2nd – 4th May):
Bedfordshire: 803
Cambridgeshire: 1,129
Essex: 2,658
Herts: 1,447
Norfolk: 1,330
Suffolk: 1,006
