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Help protect ambulance resources for those that need us most this Bank Holiday

THE Welsh Ambulance Service is urging the public to protect their resources over the four-day Bank Holiday weekend.

The Trust is reminding people to collect any medication, including prescriptions and stock up on first aid supplies to treat minor injuries and illness as home.

Along with the four-day weekend comes an improved weather picture, and we are asking the public to please drink responsibly and treat our emergency workers with respect.

Sonia Thompson, Assistant Director of Operations (Emergency Medical Service), said: “We always see a rise in demand in our services over a long weekend, and this weekend is expected to be no different.

“Improved weather usually means more people are out and about socialising or travelling to visit family and friends, so it’s important that they collect their prescriptions, keep a stocked first aid kit in their homes and cars and know what services to use should they become ill or suffer an injury.

“The NHS 111 Wales website should be the first place you visit for health advice and information if you’re ill or injured and unsure what to do.

“If you’ve lost, forgotten or have run out of prescribed medication and the GP surgery is closed then you can visit some pharmacies in Wales for an Emergency Medicines Supply Service free of charge.

“Pharmacies are also readily available with no appointment needed, offering advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses.

“Some Minor Injury Units (MIU) are also open over the Bank Holiday and can help treat fractures, dislocations, assaults, wounds and more.

“You can use the NHS 111 Wales website to search for an open pharmacy and MIU near you, if your usual one is closed.

“It’s important that our emergency ambulances are protected for those that need us most and 999 is kept for the most serious and life-threatening emergencies only.”

Here are some tips to stay safe over the Bank Holiday and every day:

Out and About

  • Download the free what3words app on your mobile phone so 999 call handlers can find you quickly in an emergency
  • Road safety – when out on a bike or scooter, always wear a helmet and beware of busy roads and crossroads safely
  • Dangerous playgrounds – make sure you know where your children are going to ensure they aren’t playing in any hazardous areas such as railway tracks or abandoned buildings
  • Stick together – don’t walk away and leave friends to get home on their own
  • Drink alcohol sensibly – if you’re enjoying an alcoholic drink be sure to know your limits and remember to drink plenty of water as the alcohol will make you even more dehydrated

At Home

  • If you’re visiting Wales on holiday, make sure you know the address of your rental home, hotel, campsite or caravan park – this will be the first thing a 999 call handler will ask you
  • Ensure that your house name or number is displayed clearly so our ambulances can find you in good time
  • Make sure you have a well-stocked first aid kit so you’re poised to deal with any minor injuries at home
  • If you’re a visitor to Wales, remember to bring any prescription medicines

Editor’s Notes

The NHS 111 Wales website has over 70 symptom checkers, including the accessing medicines symptom checkers, where you can find out if you need an emergency medicine supply and where to get help.

For more information, please call Communications Officer Beth Eales on 07870 383209 or email Beth.Eales@wales.nhs.uk