The South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) is preparing for a significant increase in 999 calls as winter approaches. In November last year alone, SECAmb handled over 86,000 emergency calls, averaging around 2,800 calls per day. This winter is expected to be equally busy.
SECAmb is advising the public to use NHS 111, available by phone or online at www.111.nhs.uk, or to consult their GP or local pharmacist before calling 999 for non-emergency issues. NHS 111 is connected with 999 and out-of-hours care services, providing access to evening and weekend GP appointments, home visits, minor injury units, urgent treatment centres, and accident and emergency (A&E) departments.
Emma Williams, Deputy Director of Operations at SECAmb, said, “999 is for life-threatening or serious emergencies only. We want people to use the variety of other NHS services available. This helps us focus on those who need us most.”
SECAmb has also shared important winter safety tips to help reduce emergency calls:
- Check your medicine cabinet and replace out-of-date items. Restock essentials such as painkillers, cold remedies, and indigestion tablets.
- Keep repeat prescriptions up to date for yourself and your family.
- Book flu vaccinations if you or loved ones are in at-risk groups.
- Look out for vulnerable family and friends by checking their homes for hazards and consider replacing slippers to prevent falls.
- Wear proper footwear outside, especially on icy days, as slips and trips increase during winter.
- Ensure your car is serviced and equipped with winter essentials like a blanket and spade.
- Wear bright clothing and carry a torch when walking at night to stay visible.
- Heat your home to at least 18°C, especially bedrooms, and reduce drafts.
- Stay active indoors and avoid sitting still for more than an hour.
- Wear several layers of light clothing instead of one bulky layer to trap warmth.
Emma Williams added, “Winter challenges like severe weather will test us again. I’m proud of everyone at SECAmb working tirelessly to keep you safe. Please support us by ringing 999 only in emergencies and using NHS 111 or your GP for everything else.”
For more winter health advice, visit NHS Keep Warm Keep Well.
Originally published by UKNIP.
