Tamworth Herald
BIRMINGHAM, England — A reminder has been issued by the ambulance service which covers Tamworth for residents not to call ‘999' unless it’s absolutely necessary.
The recent cold snap has seen a rise in the number of calls to the emergency services, and despite temperatures warming up, West Midlands Ambulance Service is continuing to experience much higher levels of demand.
The number of ‘999' calls peaked on December 11 at 2,918 - making it nearly as busy as the New Year, traditionally the busiest time of the year for the ambulance service.
A&E departments are also busier meaning it is taking longer for ambulance crews to handover patients into the care of the receiving hospital, resulting in delays.
The cold weather is expected to return this week, so the service is asking residents to remember that 999 calls are for serious, potentially life-threatening situations.
Copyright 2010 Northcliffe Media Limited
All Rights Reserved