April 2021

‘Be careful as lockdown eases’ warns ambulance service

15 April 2021

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is asking people to be careful as lockdown eases, and not make unnecessary 999 calls.

It has dealt with a noticeable increase in emergency incidents since 29 March when the stay-at-home rule was removed.

The government also allowed non-essential retail, personal care premises and outdoor hospitality to reopen on 12 April. It may ease limits further, including on indoor gatherings from 17 May, according to its lockdown roadmap.

SWASFT is anticipating periods of higher demand for the 999 service during the upcoming months as other restrictions are lifted.

It is considering its activity forecasts to ensure it has appropriate levels of resources to respond to patients across the region.

SWASFT is asking people to contact 111 for urgent medical problems, and only to call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.

Specialist Paramedic Paul Kimberley said: “We’ve all been through challenging times during the past year. Now we’ve got freedom to see friends and families safely outdoors, and do some other things.

“During this period of transition, I would encourage everyone to continue doing all they can to keep themselves and others safe. This includes following the 'hands, face, space and fresh air' guidance, and abiding by the restrictions still in place.

“If you think you have a medical need, please consider contacting 111, and save the 999 service for life-threatening emergencies.”

People should call 999 for an ambulance in a medical emergency. This is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk. For example: if someone has stopped breathing, is unconscious or has serious bleeding.

People who have an urgent medical problem and aren’t sure what to do should contact NHS 111.

Notes:

To watch a video message from Specialist Paramedic Paul Kimberley click here.
Coronavirus restrictions remain in place. Find out what you can and cannot do here.
The main symptoms of coronavirus (Covid-19) are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. If you have any of these symptoms you should get a test as soon as possible, and stay at home until you get the result.

A message of tribute to His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh

We are deeply saddened to hear that His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, has passed away.

The thoughts of us all at the South Western Ambulance Service are with the Royal Family at this sad time. We will continue to fly our flags at half-mast until 0800 on Sunday 18^th April.

Ambulance crew injured whilst attending incident

26 April 2021

Three South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) crew members were injured when a car collided with a parked ambulance in Southmead, Bristol at around 04:30am on Sunday 25 April. The crew were responding to a separate incident in a residential area at the time.

The crew members sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the collision and were conveyed to hospital for further treatment. Two of them have now been discharged home and the third remains in hospital.

A spokesperson for South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT), said: “At around 04:30am on Sunday 25 April a car collided with a parked ambulance attending an incident in Southmead, Bristol. Three of our colleagues sustained injuries, and were conveyed to hospital for further treatment. Two of our colleagues have been discharged. One remains in hospital receiving treatment for serious injuries; their condition is not life-threatening. Our thoughts remain with them all as they recover.”

We continue to work closely with Avon and Somerset Police who have put out an appeal for witnesses to find the driver of the car, who fled from the scene at the time. Since then one arrest has been made in connection with this incident, however further enquiries are ongoing.

Avon and Somerset police are asking anyone who may have seen the incident or have relevant mobile phone or Dash Cam footage to contact them on 101 quoting reference number 5221088520.

Update on injured crew following incident in Southmead, Bristol

29 April 2021

Earlier this week we reported that three South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) crew members were injured when a car collided with a parked ambulance in Southmead, Bristol.

It has been a really difficult few days for everyone at the Trust and it has been a stark reminder of the challenging and difficult environment we often work in, however, we are pleased to be able to give a positive update on those involved.

Two of our crew members are out of hospital and are in good spirits as they continue their recovery at home. The third crew member, one of our valued Student Paramedics, remains in hospital but is making good progress and is expected to return to her studies after a period of rehabilitation.

Our thoughts remain with them as they all recover and in the meantime we continue to help the police with their enquiries.

‘Be sensible and think 111’ urges ambulance service

30 April 2021

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is asking people to “be sensible and think 111” during the Bank Holiday weekend.

SWASFT has dealt with a significant increase in activity since 12 April when the government eased lockdown restrictions to allow outdoor pubs, shops, gyms and hairdressers to reopen.

SWASFT responded to an average of 2,760 emergency incidents a day during the two week period until 25 April, equating to more than 19,300 incidents per week.

This represents an increase of around 8% compared to the number of incidents it dealt with during March 2021, prior to the most recent lockdown changes.

Although there has been no particular type of incident associated with the increase, it has seen a noticeable rise in the number of incidents in public places.

SWASFT is encouraging people to contact 111 for urgent medical problems, and only to call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.

Operations Officer Michael Anning said: “We are asking people to behave sensibly this Bank Holiday weekend, and to think 111 for urgent medical help and advice.

“Since the stay-at-home rule was lifted, we have noticed an increase in ambulance activity, and we’ve had a number of busy days recently.

“So please only call 999 in a genuine life-threatening emergency, so we can be available for those who need us most.”

The NHS continues to encourage everyone to do all they can to keep themselves and others safe during the ongoing pandemic. This includes following the 'hands, face, space and fresh air' guidance, and abiding by the restrictions still in place.