South Yorkshire: Ambulance service records busiest ever weekend

On Friday, December 12th, the ambulance service responded to 2,152 incidents, of which 1,046 were prioritised as ‘Red’.

‘Red’ services are at the most serious level of illness or injury.

On Saturday, 1,098 calls from 2,150 were classified as ‘Red.

There were a further 1,001 such incidents on Sunday, when a total 2,042 calls were received

The trust said today that ‘Red’ incidents had accounted for around half of all incidents compared to the usual average of around 40 per cent.

Due to the unprecedented number of 999 calls being received for serious and life-threatening conditions, the trust is appealing to people across the region to only call 999 for an ambulance in an absolute emergency when it is obvious that someone needs time-critical assistance.

Dr David Macklin, executive director of operations at the trust, said: “We are currently receiving hundreds of 999 calls every day to patients with breathing difficulties and other serious conditions. We really need people to use our emergency service wisely so that we keep ambulances available for those patients who need life-saving help.”

“Whilst many people do use our emergency service appropriately, some callers could be helped by other more appropriate healthcare services.”

“Anyone needing advice and treatment for non-emergencies should consider options such as contacting a local pharmacist or GP surgery.

“They can also put in a call to NHS 111 or visit an urgent care centre.”

“In addition, the NHS Choices website provides helpful information and advice on many common conditions, treatments and local services,” he added.

You can visit the NHS choices website at http://www.nhs.uk.

The Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust (YAS) serves a population of five million people and covers the whole of the East Riding of Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and Wst Yorkshire.