Plea to take care over Bank Holiday weekend as summer 999 calls 'busier than they've ever been'

The Welsh Ambulance Service is busier than it has ever been before amid the staycation boom - with 999 calls even topping winter levels.

Paramedics have issued a plea to take care over the Bank Holiday weekend amid the "extreme" and "widespread" pressures faced by emergency services, who are anticipating demand from the coast to the cities.

Lee Brooks, Director of Operations at Welsh Ambulance Service told ITV Wales, "In July, 999 lines were busier for us than they were in winter - and winter is traditionally our busiest time of the year.

"Our 999 calls remain busier at this time of the year then they've ever been before so that July trend has continued into August and that's as we've seen more staycations occurring and people coming into Wales.

"That has created a significant amount of demand for us. We're forecasting a very busy weekend and we're forecasting levels of demand that are almost at the level we were having to compete with during the heatwave in July."

Here are some alternative pathways to 999 that can help you get advice and treatment to suit your condition should you become ill or injured:

• Online: If you’re ill or injured and it’s not a life-threatening emergency, visit the NHS 111 Wales website, where there are 30+ symptom checkers.

• Minor Injury Units (MIU): You can attend your nearest Minor Injury unit for help with things such as fractures, dislocations, assaults, wounds and ear, nose and throat problems. Find your nearest MIU here.

• Pharmacist: Help and advice is also available by visiting a pharmacist who are qualified to deal with all manner of conditions such as bites and stings, allergies, hay fever, sunburn and wounds.

• Phone: In all Health Board areas except Cardiff you can now dial 111 free of charge 24hrs a day. This number is staffed by trained professionals who can help you get the right treatment in the right place at the right time. Residents of Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan can currently get advice over the phone, by calling the ‘CAV 24/7’ for urgent care line on 0300 10 20 247 or NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 for general healthcare advice.

Breathing problems, chest pain and falls are the main reasons that people dial 999.

"What we're anticipating this weekend however is an increase in calls as a result of a falls and what we know from previous weekends is that it'll likely be attributed to alcohol," Mr Brooks said.

"And another area is road traffic accidents as we anticipate more people on the roads."

The ambulance service boss urged that there is an opportunity for the public to help WAS this weekend and think about how they're using health services.

He added: "Wales is a great place to come and we know we have our tourist hotspots, and of course this summer Wales has been open with the easing of restrictions which has certainly seen a correlated increase in our levels of demands."

Here are the ambulance service's tips to stay safe over summer and protect the NHS:

In the heat

• Drink lots of water – it’s important to keep hydrated as you lose more fluid than you take in during hotter temperatures

• Keep out of the sun – it’s best to stay in the shade between 11am-3pm when the sun is at its hottest

• Wear sun cream and sunglasses – apply a sun cream of at least factor 30 that includes UVA protection and make sure your sunglasses have UV protection lenses

• Loose clothing – wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes along with a hat

• Look out for others – keep a check on those vulnerable to the effects of heat, especially the elderly, young children and babies and those who have a heart or respiratory condition such as asthma

• Never leave babies, young children or animals in a parked vehicle – temperatures can soar very quickly in a parked car, and children under two are particularly at risk of getting heatstroke or heat exhaustion

In the water:

• Don’t be tempted to take a dip in reservoirs, canals, lakes and rivers to cool down – there are hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface such as debris and underwater currents which can result in drowning

• Keep an eye out – children should always be supervised when they are in or around water and make sure they are swimming within designated areas

• Don’t be pushy – never run, push or jump on others when in a swimming pool or at the beach, and if you see someone in difficulty tell a lifeguard or call 999

• On the water – if out in a boat or canoe, always wear a lifejacket

Out and about:

• Download the free what3words app on your mobile phone so 999 call handlers can find you quickly in an emergency

• Road safety – when out on a bike or scooter, always wear a helmet and beware of busy roads and cross roads safely

• Dangerous playgrounds – make sure you know where your children are going to ensure they aren’t playing in any hazardous areas such as railway tracks or abandoned buildings

• Stick together – don’t walk away and leave friends to get home on their own

• Drink alcohol sensibly – if you’re enjoying a tipple in the sunshine, be sure to know your limits and remember to drink plenty of water as the alcohol will make you even more dehydrated

At home

• If you’re visiting Wales on holiday, make sure you know the address of your rental home, hotel, campsite or caravan park – this will be the first thing a 999 call handler will ask you

• Ensure that your house name or number is displayed clearly so our ambulances can find you in good time

• Make sure you have a well-stocked first aid kit so you’re poised to deal with any minor injuries at home – here’s what your kit should contain

• If you’re a visitor to Wales, remember to bring any prescription medicines