South East Coast Ambulance Service is urging the public to use 999
responsibly this New Year’s Eve as it prepares to manage high
levels of demand.

The service experienced significant pressure over the Christmas
period and is expecting to face particularly high demand in the
lead up to New Year and during the celebrations themselves. On
Christmas Day the Trust handled more than 3,200 calls with this
increasing to more than 3,600 calls on Boxing Day.

Life-threatening and serious calls will be prioritised but
people in a less serious condition are likely to wait for an
ambulance response when demand is high.

Last year ambulance crews responded to more than 600 emergency
calls in the six hours between 10pm on 31 December 2016 to 4am on 1
January 2017. During the same period staff in the Trust’s Emergency
Operations Centres handled hundreds more calls, at an average rate
of approximately three calls a minute, providing advice over the
phone or directing callers to another part of the health
service.

SECAmb is urging people to have fun but stay safe by following
the simple advice below:

• If drinking alcohol – have fun but be sensible. Look out
for others you’re with and drink water between alcoholic
drinks
• Excess alcohol consumption on its own isn’t usually a reason
to dial 999 for someone but if there’s another complaint causing
concern or someone loses consciousness then dial 999 without
delay
• Plan your evening. How are you getting home?
• Wear layers as they keep you warmer than one thicker layer.
They can also easily be removed as you warm up
• Look out for any vulnerable friends and neighbours
• Remember 999 is for emergencies – if it’s not an emergency
and you need health advice remember alternatives including calling
NHS 111

SECAmb Executive Director of Operations Joe Garcia said:
“Christmas was as expected, very busy and we’re very proud of the
efforts of all our staff in both our 999 and 111 centres and out on
the road. We’d ask the public for their continued support now and
for New Year’s Eve when, once again, we expect to come under heavy
pressure.

“We’re urging people to consider the alternatives to dialling
999 when they’re not faced with a life-threatening or serious
emergency, including calling NHS 111 for assistance.

“Staff will be working extremely hard to get help to those who
need it. Staff in our emergency operations centres will be
prioritising life-threatening and serious calls and those not
facing a serious emergency will wait longer. By using 999
responsibly this New Year’s Eve, people can ensure we are best
placed to respond to our most seriously ill and injured
patients.”

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

For further information on how to protect yourself and others
this winter please visit our website here:
http://www.secamb.nhs.uk/about_us/news/2017/help_us_to_help_you.aspx

Or click on the following link: https://www.nhs.uk/staywell/#d7bxHGEs0CmHyO1R.97