
People are asked to take care and help the ambulance service manage its demand across the Brighton Pride weekend, which takes place in the in the city on 3-4 August 2024.
South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) is asking those attending to plan ahead and stay safe across what is always a busy weekend.
The Trust will once again have a strong presence in the parade on Saturday 3 August, with a specially-wrapped ambulance set to be unveiled to feature alongside SECAmb colleagues and representatives from other ambulance Trusts all attending on a voluntary basis.
Across the weekend, ambulance crews, emergency operations centre staff and volunteers will, as ever, be working hard to ensure people get the help they require.
The public can help SECAmb manage its demand by only calling 999 in an emergency and by making use of NHS 111 for help and advice by phone or online at www.111.nhs.uk. Help and advice is also available by visiting a pharmacy or at Brighton Station Health Centre.
Operating Unit Manager for Brighton, Paul Fisher said: “Pride is always a fantastic event for the city and our teams, both out on the road and in our Emergency Operations Centres, will be working hard to get people the help they require.
“We want people to enjoy the weekend and experience a happy and safe Pride but also remember the impact avoidable 999 calls can have on our services. People should only call 999 in an emergency and remember to make use of alternatives if it’s not, including visiting a walk-in centre, speaking to a pharmacist or using NHS 111. It’s also really important that people plan their days and for looking out for themselves and each other.”
Chair of the Pride in SECAmb staff network, Garrie Richardson, said: “We’re pleased that we will once again have a strong presence in the community parade. I am sure we will receive fantastic support from the public as we support such an important annual event. I wish everyone attending a safe and happy Pride weekend.”
The specially-wrapped ambulance was kindly funded through sponsorship from the Trust’s Make Ready provider, Churchill and Unison union as well as a number of SECAmb suppliers. SECAmb thanks Optima Health, Rossetts Commercials, Compass Trailers and Chilli Graphics for their support. Thanks also goes to Sussex 4×4 Response for kindly providing a support vehicle for SECAmb in the parade.