Monday 21st January 2013
Freezing conditions over the weekend have seen East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EMAS) deal with 900 more calls than during the same period last year.
 Between Thursday January 17th and Sunday January 20th, the 999 service received 6,335 calls, compared to 5,395 over the same dates in 2012.
Of these calls, 1,118 related to falls and 140 to road traffic incidents.
In Derbyshire, longstanding links with local Mountain Rescue Teams have ensured crews can reach even those properties worst affected by snow.
Glynn Hardy, EMAS' Paramedic Team Leader at Buxton, said: "The Mountain Rescue Teams in Buxton and Edale have been a big help to us. They've assisted us in attending calls where even access by 4x4 is difficult.
"Simple measures such as clearing a path to your door or putting down grit can really help our crews working in these conditions. We're also really grateful when relatives or neighbours come out and help direct us to properties which are off the beaten track or in very rural settings."
Forward planning is allowing the service to cope with a huge spike in calls, but EMAS is reminding the public to dial 999 only in emergencies and for the most serious illnesses.
All 999 calls are dealt with according to clinical priority so that those with the most serious conditions such as suspected heart attacks or strokes are always seen first.
Those who dial 999 with minor complaints will receive quicker, more appropriate treatment from other NHS services such as minor injuries units, walk-in centres or their GP.
Paul StClair, EMAS' Deputy Director of Operations, said: "We are receiving a huge volume of calls through our control centres in Nottingham and Lincoln.
"This includes dealing with road traffic accidents across the patch and the impact of the cold weather on the elderly and those with existing medical conditions.
"I'm proud of the fantastic job our staff are doing in assisting patients despite difficult weather conditions.
"To ensure we can continue to help those in the most need, we need the public's support. Please only dial 999 in genuine emergencies such as severe loss of blood, loss of consciousness, chest pains and fitting."
More than 1,000 calls received since last Thursday were for conditions where people could have received help from other NHS services such as NHS Direct or their local out-of-hours GP service.
Just 1,837 of all calls received during the four days of snow and ice were immediately life-threatening.
To find out about NHS health services local to you, visit www.nhs.uk
If you or a family member are unwell and you're unsure which service you need, call NHS Direct for advice and information on 0845 4647.
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