Coronavirus: Paramedics worried about fall in number of 999 calls

Paramedic Mark Brierley said that at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, they asked the public only to call an ambulance “for real emergencies” and to consider alternatives to calling 999.

“We are really grateful for your level of co-operation with this which enables us to focus our response on the most seriously ill – and for that we thank you,” he said.

“We still need the public to continue with this and to continue to take social distancing measures seriously.

“However, we are concerned that some people who are experiencing serious medical symptoms such as chest pain, or severe breathing problems, might not be calling us.”

“This might be because they underestimate the seriousness of their condition in the hope that it will go away or have a fear of going to hospital in case they catch the virus.

“If you have a serious medical condition, it’s important you get help as soon as possible so that your treatment and hospital stay, if any, can be determined by the seriousness of your condition. Everything else can be managed.”

They are also concerned that those not phoning for medical are the elderly, who typically ‘didn’t want to bother us’.

“We would be more bothered if someone who genuinely needed us, didn’t call us.” he added,

Mr Brierley urged the public to check on the welfare of elderly neighbours, especially those whose families cannot get to see them.

“Whilst maintaining a social distance – through a window for example – why not check in on them at the same time every day, and ask if they are OK. By doing this, you could save a life.”