EMAS plea to North Lincolnshire residents after huge spike in calls
EMAS is making a plea to residents across North Lincolnshire to help them continue to cope with the huge spike in calls, by only dialling 999 for emergencies and the most serious illnesses.
Freezing conditions over the weekend saw East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EMAS) deal with 900 more calls than during the same period last year.Between January 17 and January 20, the 999 service received 6,335 calls, compared to 5,395 over the same dates in 2012.
Of these calls, 1,118 related to falls and 140 to road traffic incidents.
EMAS is reminding people that 999 calls are dealt with according to clinical priority so that those with the most serious conditions such as suspected heart attacks or strokes are always seen first.
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Those who dial 999 with minor complaints will receive quicker, more appropriate treatment from other NHS services such as minor injuries units, walk-in centres or their GP.
Paul StClair, EMAS' Deputy Director of Operations, said: "We are receiving a huge volume of calls through our control centres in Nottingham and Lincoln.
"This includes dealing with road traffic accidents across the patch and the impact of the cold weather on the elderly and those with existing medical conditions.
"I'm proud of the fantastic job our staff are doing in assisting patients despite difficult weather conditions.
"To ensure we can continue to help those in the most need we need the public's support.
"Please only dial 999 in genuine emergencies such as severe loss of blood, loss of consciousness, chest pains and fitting."
More than 1,000 calls received since last Thursday were for conditions where people could have received help from other NHS services such as NHS Direct or their local out-of-hours GP service.
Just 1,837 of all calls received during the four days of snow and ice were immediately life-threatening.
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