Paramedics are urging the public to be prepared ahead of the Jubilee bank holiday weekend to help take the pressure off the emergency services expecting an increase in call outs.
The North East Ambulance Service said it is gearing up for a "busy four-day bank holiday" as it asked the public to take precautions so that it can help those most in need. The service is calling on people to take simple measures, such as stocking up on first aid supplies to treat minor injuries and ordering repeat prescriptions ahead of the weekend.
Paramedics are also urging the public to only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency, echoing the message from Northumbria Police who said call handlers are dealing with hundreds of calls that should be dealt with elsewhere.
A North East Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: "We are busy preparing for a busy four-day bank holiday, working hard behind the scenes to boost resources where possible so that we can support as many patients as possible.
"We would like to ask the public across the region to take precautions where possible, to enable us to prioritise our resources for those most in need and ensure they are able to enjoy the weekend without requiring our service."
It comes as revellers will be able to continue the celebrations for longer, with licensing rules for pubs being relaxed for three nights. The change will push back closing time from 11pm to 1am the following day on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Ahead of the Jubilee bank holiday weekend, Northumbria Police Assistant Chief Constable Scott Young urged people to think before they call.
Speaking to ChronicleLive to highlight the increased pressure on control room call handlers who are having to redirect non-emergency calls, he said: "We expect over the Jubilee weekend will bring additional calls because it is four days where people will enjoy, hopefully, good weather, a number of parties and other events in the area, such as Ed Sheeran concert.
"It does bring more people to the region so we expect more calls.
"We have always seen an increase in calls over the summer months, both from the local communities and those visiting us, but we would want to encourage people to choose the right option when they call us and have the confidence to dial 999 when it is an emergency, knowing that we will be there when they need us.
"If it's not an emergency, then we have invested heavily in technology that gives people a lot of digital options and 101 which means that our call takers are free to take those 999 calls."
The North East Ambulance Service's advice to the public ahead of the Jubilee weekend:
- Only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency
- Order repeat prescriptions in plenty of time
- Check your local pharmacy opening times, as they will differ over the bank holiday: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy
- If you have an urgent, but non-life-threatening medical issue, visit 111.nhs.uk where you’ll be directed to the most appropriate service
- Make sure you have a well-stocked first aid kit. Things like plasters, antiseptic cream and painkillers can help you deal with minor accidents and injuries: https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/accidents-first-aid-and-treatments/what-should-i-keep-in-my-first-aid-kit/
- Take care in the heat - use sunscreen, seek regular shade, and keep hydrated: Heatwave: how to cope in hot weather - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
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