Sussex ambulance service urges residents to be 'sensible' to ease pressure on services

People are also urged to be sensible as coronavirus restrictions are eased from next week and to be mindful of the impact their actions can have on the ambulance service.

SECAmb has faced high demand in recent weeks, often handling in the region of 3,000 calls a day across its Kent, Surrey and Sussex region.

People are reminded of the need to make use of alternatives to calling 999 when seeking urgent advice which isn’t an emergency including calling NHS 111 or using NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk for an assessment which will refer them to the most appropriate service available. People are also urged to speak to their own GP or to seek medical advice from pharmacists.

Hotter weather typically results in an increase in calls to the ambulance service relating to dehydration and heat stroke. Higher temperatures can also seriously affect people with long-term health issues such as heart conditions or high blood pressure.

Increased temperatures can also adversely affect older people and the very young. These groups, and those who care for them, are urged to take particular care during any warmer weather.

SECAmb Executive Director of Operations, Emma Williams, said: “We’ve experienced some very busy periods in recent weeks and we expect that with warmer weather, along with the start of the school holidays and the next stage of easing of coronavirus restrictions, this will continue.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our of staff and also our volunteers who have and continue to work so hard to respond to patients.

“We want people to enjoy the sunshine and the outdoors but to take care and be sensible. People can continue to help us by remembering to make use of the alternatives to 999 when they’re not facing an emergency, including using NHS 111 or speaking to a GP or pharmacist. People can also really help by only calling back 999 if a person’s condition worsens or they no longer requ