Secamb issues warning after receiving a record number of calls in October

South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) is concerned about winter demand after answering approximately 89,000 calls in October, the equivalent of a call every 30 seconds.

This is an increase of more than 20,000 on the number of calls the trust answered in October 2019 and October 2020.

Secamb recieved a record number of calls in October

It is now urging people to find alternatives to calling 999 if they are not facing a serious or life-threatening emergency.

Emma Williams, Secamb Executive Director of Operations, said: “This year has already been extremely challenging.

“We remain in a pandemic and we also know that winter will bring additional demand.

“Not only can colder and severe weather impact on our service but it can also increase call outs to particular patients including those who have suffered a fall or those with long-term conditions which can be exacerbated further by the cold.

• READ MORE: South East Coast Ambulance service declares ‘critical incident’

“We know our staff will be doing everything they can to respond to those that need us as quickly as possible but we also need the public’s help to ensure we are as available as we can be to respond to those in the greatest need.

“By making the right choice this winter and by seeking advice early via a GP, pharmacist, visiting NHS 111 online or calling NHS 111, people can really help

“999 really should be reserved for only the most serious and life-threatening concerns.”

Secamb responded to around 6,700 calls which did not require a face-to-face response – approximately 1,700 more than the 5,000 immediately life-threatening calls it responded to.

As a result, patients are being asked to consider speaking to their GP or pharmacist, visiting NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or, if it’s urgent but not an emergency, calling NHS 111.

The Trust also created a list of winter tips for people to undertake to keep themselves and others safe during the coming months:

• Take up the opportunity for flu and COVID-19 booster vaccinations when offered to protect yourself and others.

• Look out for any vulnerable family or friends – is there anything you can do to help them? Are there any hazards in their homes? Do their slippers need replacing? We attend falls to older and vulnerable people all year round

• Wear appropriate shoes when outside especially during icy weather. We typically see an increase in slips and trips during colder spells

• Heat homes to at least 18C (65F). You might prefer your main living room to be slightly warmer

• Keep your bedroom at 18C all night if you can – and reduce drafts – if you’re under 65, healthy and active, you can safely have your home cooler than 18C, as long as you’re comfortable

• Keep active when you’re indoors. Try not to sit still for more than an hour or so

• Wear several layers of light clothes. They trap warm air better than one bulky layer

• Check your home medicines cabinet – is everything in date? Restock with essentials including cold remedies, pain killers, indigestion tablets and diarrhoea and constipation remedies

• Keep up to date with any repeat prescriptions you or your family or friends need

• When was the last time your vehicle was serviced? If your car is safer, so are you

• Carry some useful items in your vehicles such as a blanket and a spade for colder and possible snowy weather

• Wear bright colours at night. Can you be clearly seen as a pedestrian or cyclist? If walking at dusk or at night use a torch

• You should only call 999 in the event of a life-threatening or serious emergency

• People who are not facing a serious emergency should make alternative arrangements such seeking advice from a GP or pharmacist so we can focus on those who need us most. If its urgent but not an emergency you can call NHS 111 or seek advice from 111 online at 111.nhs.uk

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