With snow and ice predicted to hit Calderdale this weekend and next week, Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust is urging members of the public to take extra care and use the 999 service wisely.
The trust is askling people to only call 999 when it is obvious that someone has a serious or life-threatening illness or injury.
David Williams, deputy director of operations at Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said the trust has plans in place to ensure they continue to provide the very best service to patients in the event of any adverse weather.
He said: “We have the situation under constant review and will be making every effort to get to patients as quickly, and as safely, as possible despite any difficult conditions we encounter.
“Our staff will be working extremely hard to get to local people who call upon us for help but understandably hazardous driving conditions may lead to extended drive-times meaning it might take us a little longer than normal to reach patients in the worst hit areas.
“As snow and ice traditionally results in an increase in 999 calls, particularly for weather-related incidents such as road traffic collisions, falls and breathing difficulties, we ask that people only call 999 in a life-threatening situation to help us concentrate our resources on those who need us most.”
For advice and treatment for non-emergencies, people should consider options such as a visit to a local pharmacist or GP surgery, a call to NHS Direct or a visit to a walk-in centre.
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