As we prepare for a busy winter period, we’re asking for the
public’s support as Christmas approaches and the temperatures
drop.

We are reminding people to utilise options for
non-emergencies including calling NHS 111, making a GP appointment,
visiting a minor injuries unit, speaking to a pharmacist or simply
acting on a concern before it becomes more serious.

This will help us to ensure we can respond to
those who need us most during this busy time.

We’ve produced a winter check list to help
people to help us during the winter months:

Winter check list

  • 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 friend need.
  • If you or someone you look after is in an
    at-risk group don’t forget to book a flu vaccination
  • Look out for any vulnerable friends and
    neighbours – what could you 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 to
    slips and trips during colder spells
  • When was the last time your vehicle was
    serviced? If your car is safer, so are you
  • Carry some useful items in your vehicle 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
  • Heat homes to at least 18C (65F). You might
    prefer your main living room to be slightly warmer
  • Keep your bedroom window closed on winter
    nights – breathing cold air can be bad for your health as it
    increases the risk of chest infections. If outside in the cold,
    cover your nose and mouth – especially if you have a long-term
    health condition which might be exacerbated by the cold air
  • 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
  • 999 should only be dialled in the event of a
    life-threatening or serious emergency
  • People who are not facing a serious emergency
    should make alternative arrangements such as dialling NHS 111 or
    seeking alternative advice from a GP or pharmacist so we can focus
    on those who need us most.

For further information on how to protect
yourself and others this winter please visit the NHS Staywell
website
.

When to call 999:

If you think a patient is suffering from one
of the following you must dial 999 for an ambulance:

  • heart attack (e.g. chest pain for more than
    15 minutes)
  • sudden unexplained shortness of breath
  • heavy bleeding
  • unconsciousness (even if the patient has
    regained consciousness)
  • traumatic back/spinal/neck pain

You should also call for an ambulance
if: 

  • you think the patient’s illness or injury is
    life-threatening
  • you think the illness or injury may become
    worse, or even life-threatening on the way to the hospital
  • moving the patient/s without skilled people
    could cause further injury
  • the patient needs the skills or equipment of
    the ambulance service and its personnel