Making only essential journeys during periods of severe weather, and taking extra care when outside walking on icy surfaces, can prevent many incidents.
The Trust is committed to delivering the Right Care
in the Right Place at the Right Time, however, not all of the calls we receive
warrant an ambulance response and the 999 ambulance service should only be used
for emergency situations. Examples include; choking, chest pain, stroke,
serious blood loss and unconsciousness. Using the ambulance service only to
tend the critically ill and injured helps ensure a quick response to those in
genuine need.
There are a wide variety of healthcare services available for a range of conditions and it is important that people choose well, especially during periods when demand for the ambulance service is expected to be high.
Alternative healthcare options for less serious conditions include; visiting a minor injury unit (MIU) or NHS walk-in centre, making an appointment to see your GP (or an out of hours GP for more serious conditions when surgeries are not open), visiting your local pharmacist for advice, or calling NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
If you are unsure which healthcare service best
suits your condition visit the NHS Direct website at http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Ends
Notes
to news desks:
1. For further information about South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, to sign up and become a member or view the Trust Membership Recruitment Video visit www.swast.nhs.uk/ft
2. Follow the Trust Twitter account @swasFT to keep up to date with all the latest news and information from across the Trust