Emergency services battle through weather conditions

2:33pm Thursday 4th December 2008

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THE adverse weather conditions have been making life difficult for the region’s ambulance service.

The service has seen an increase in the number of people it has to treat for slips and falls, and response times have gone up as ambulance drivers have to reduce speed in relation to the road conditions.

Derek Cartwright, area director of the North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “Due to the adverse weather conditions in Cumbria this week NWAS has experienced a slight increase in 999 activity.

“The majority of weather related call-outs have been for slips and trips in the snow or minor road traffic collisions. “We have had to cancel some non-emergency pre-planned journeys in the South Lakeland area. However, we have used a number of 4x4 vehicles across the county for emergency call-outs. “Ambulances like all other vehicles have to be cautious in extreme weather and consequently journey times to rural areas are taking slightly longer than average.”

Mr Cartwright said people should take measures to ensure they are warm and safe during periods of cold weather.

“The icy conditions increase the risk of accidents and therefore we urge the public to take care and wrap up warm this week,” he said.

“Please only call 999 in a critical or life threatening situation such as a suspected heart attack, chest pain, unconsciousness, heavy blood loss, serious accident, broken bone, breathing difficulties or head injuries.”