Ambulance chiefs prepare for busy Easter weekend

Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust (YAS) is getting ready for one of their busiest weekends of the year by urging people to keep themselves and others safe to help ensure emergency ambulances are available for those who need them most.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Mar 2016, 08:00 BST

The Trust traditionally sees an increase in 999 calls over bank holidays and they anticipate the coming four-day weekend to be just as busy.

Dr David Macklin, Executive Director of Operations, said: “The Easter break will typically see more people out and about with friends and family and this can lead to more people becoming ill or injured and requiring medical attention.

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“We normally see a rise in alcohol-fuelled incidents too. We don’t want to stop people having a good time, but we are asking that people stay safe and look after themselves and others.”

The ambulance service is keen to ensure people are aware of the range of healthcare services available for advice and treatment for non-emergencies and less serious conditions such as a local pharmacy, NHS 111, minor injuries unit or walk-in-centre.

The NHS Choices website can help people find their nearest service as well as providing advice on minor conditions - www.nhs.uk

Dr Macklin added: “We don’t want to deter people from calling 999 in a genuine emergency, but we are reminding people to think carefully before calling 999 about whether an emergency ambulance is the most appropriate service for their needs.

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“Our clinical staff often respond to patients who have reported a serious condition only to find they have a minor illness or injury which would have been more effectively dealt with by an alternative service.

“We want to make sure that people enjoy their Easter weekend and, more importantly, that our ambulance crews are there for those who need them most. Please act responsibly and enjoy the Easter celebrations safely.”