Busy night for West Midlands Ambulance Service
West Midlands Ambulance Service last night responded to more than 3,500 calls making it the fourth busiest day for the Service on record.
Traditionally, the service's busiest day is New Years’ Eve and into New Years’ Day but yesterday saw call numbers rise to levels only normally seen after midnight on 31 December.
Craig Cooke, Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, said: “Our staff are working around the clock to respond to patients but we need the public’s help to ensure we’re preserving our ambulances and highly skilled staff for the people who need us the most.
“Many people who dial 999 could treat themselves at home or access advice from NHS 111 either online or over the phone. Equally, people should consider taking themselves to an NHS walk-in centre, pharmacist or a minor injuries unit. This would leave the ambulance service to deal with life threatening illness or injury such as chest pain, strokes, breathing difficulties, unconsciousness and severe blood loss.
“It’s continuing to be a busy weekend for the ambulance service, not only in the West Midlands but nationally too. I would like to thank all of our staff and many volunteers for their continued efforts.”
