South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, (SECAmb), is urging the public to take care and help it manage demand as Brighton Pride takes place in the city this weekend (5-6 August).
Those attending are asked to plan ahead and stay safe across what is always a busy weekend in the city. People are also reminded to keep an eye on weather forecast with rain forecast and a weather warning for strong winds issued for Saturday.
Ambulance crews, emergency operations centre staff and volunteers will, as ever, be working hard to ensure people get the help they require.
People are also reminded to only call 999 in an emergency and to make use of NHS 111 for help and advice, both by telephone and online at 111.nhs.uk. Help and advice is also available by visiting a pharmacy and speaking to a pharmacist.
SECAmb is once again pleased to have a strong presence in the parade with more than 100 SECAmb staff and volunteers and representatives from other national ambulance LGBT+ networks taking part.
An ambulance, decorated in a specially designed wrap, kindly funded through sponsorship by SECAmb suppliers and the GMB and Unison unions, and which will feature in the parade, has been unveiled.
Operating Unit Manager for Brighton, Paul Fisher said: “Pride is a fantastic event for the city and our staff and volunteers will, as ever, be working hard to get everyone the help they need.
“We really need people to remember that 999 should only be used in an emergency and ask that they make use of alternatives to calling 999, including visiting a walk-in centre, speaking to pharmacist or using NHS 111.
“We urge people to plan their days and look out for themselves and each other so that an unnecessary visit from the ambulance service is avoided.”
Chair of the Pride in SECAmb staff network, Tony Faraway, said: “It’s great that we’ll once again have a strong presence in the parade, celebrating diversity across our service with our local community. We always receive fantastic support from members of the public and I wish everyone attending a safe and happy Pride weekend.”
SECAmb would like to thank its local Unison and GMB union branches, Optima Health and Rossetts Commercials for sponsoring the Pride ambulance. Thanks also goes to local company, Chilli Graphics and Compass Trailers for their support.