Date published: 9 December 2017

Message from EMAS Strategic Commander, John Wright

Overnight and tomorrow morning we are expecting a significant amount of snow to fall across much of the East Midlands.

Poor driving conditions make our job much harder and we ask that you follow the advice given by emergency services, councils and other agencies.

Help us to help you

On average we receive a new 999 call every 34 seconds and the snow and ice will bring an extra challenge.

You can help us:

  • stay indoors if you really don’t have to go out – the roads are already becoming treacherous due to black ice or snow that has already fallen in some parts.
  • look out for friends and family who may be vulnerable to the cold and ensure they have access to warm food, drinks and managing to heat their homes adequately.
  • maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18°C, particularly if you are not mobile, have long term illness or are 65 or over.
  • wear sensible footwear including indoor slippers that fit well to reduce the risk of a slip, trip and fall.
  • if you have a long-term condition remember to take your regular medication.
  • visit NHS websiteor telephone NHS111 (free phone number 111) if you need medical advice for conditions that are not immediately life-threatening or serious. 

Thank you

This weekend a team across East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) have been working hard behind the scenes and with other organisations to help us prepare, and to help get colleagues to work as safely as possible.  

We can’t stop the snow and ice but our preparations mean we are best placed to help people reported to be in a life threatening or very serious condition.

Thank you to everyone at EMAS including our volunteers for the part you are playing to provide the best possible care, and to the other emergency and health services and partners agencies for your on-going support and partnership working.