Ambulance service issues snow advice (From Droitwich Advertiser)

Ambulance service issues snow advice

12:20pm Thursday 17th January 2013 in News

PEOPLE are being urged to take simple precautions ahead of the heavy snowfall forecast for the coming days.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “There are simple steps that the public can take to help them stay safe during this winter weather. Make sure you wrap up warm and wear sensible footwear, helping to avoid slips, trips and falls.

“If the weather does take a turn for the worse, please avoid or delay any unnecessary journeys. If you really need to travel by road, make sure you allow extra time for your journey and be extra vigilant on icy and snow covered roads.

“Motorists should consider carrying a few essentials with them in the winter months in case of a breakdown or delay such as an ice-scraper, torch, warm clothes and a blanket, a pair of boots, a first aid kit, battery jump leads, a snow shovel and food and drink. If you’re heading off on a long journey, make sure your mobile phone is also fully charged.

“Every winter we’re called to people who have become injured whilst sledging. We would encourage people to just take a second to think about where they are sledging and to have fun safely. Clearly playing on frozen lakes and canals can also have tragic consequences if people fall on or through the ice.”

The ambulance service historically experiences some of its busiest periods during winter and the public is asked to think before dialing 999. Ambulance crews have to use the same snow and ice covered roads to get to emergencies as everyone else and therefore may take longer to get to patient safely in such challenging conditions.