Advice for white winter forecast this weekend (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

The East of England Ambulance Service advise for the white winter forecast expected

4:30pm Friday 11th January 2013 in News By Rebecca Perring, Reporter

With a white winter forecast expected this weekend, the East of England Ambulance Service is advising residents in Hertfordshire to stay well prepared.

Ambulance bosses are advising the public on how they can help prevent themselves and loved ones from needing to call 999.

Neil Storey, director of operations for the ambulance service, said severe weather creates an increased demand across the NHS but, while some of that is unavoidable, taking simple measures reduced the risk of a medical emergency.

With ice and a cold snap expected, he advised people to keep warm, keep well, be prepared and avoid unnecessary outings.

He said: "While we are prepared for bad weather with tried and tested plans to manage it, inevitably it challenges emergency service resources and can affect response times if only because it is more difficult to get around.

"But simple things make a big difference to people, such as keeping yourself warm at home, ensuring you have enough heating oil or meter credit if necessary, keeping medicines stocked up and making sure you have grit and salt."

Mr Storey advised drivers to double check their vehicles are ready for ice and snow, as well as urging them to be careful on the roads and for residents to avoid going outside in severe weather unless they really need to.

"People should also look out for their neighbours, particularly if they are elderly or living alone." Mr Storey added.

The trust’s clinical support desks in the control rooms will be boosted to manage an expected increase in non serious slips and falls without having to send unnecessary ambulances.