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AMBULANCE
WARNING FOR THE SUMMER AHEAD
THE North West Ambulance
Service asks the public to take extra care over the coming Summer
weeks, as warm-weather once again visits the nation, and says that
as usual it expects a surge in 999 calls.
The warm weather across the region this week marks the beginning of
the summer holidays for many in the region. The schools are ringing
their end-of-year bells, and families are preparing for their annual
summer getaways.
The Ambulance Service regularly sees a rise in 999 emergency calls
in periods of warm weather; during the last hot-weather spell over
the May Bank Holiday weekend, the Trust received 10,998 emergency
calls. The majority of the 999 calls the Trust receives are for
genuinely ill people and during periods of hot weather, there is a
marked increase in the number of people experiencing respiratory
problems such as asthma; but many incidents the Trust is called to
can be easily avoided.
Whilst the Service wishes everybody a jolly, hot summer, it also
urges everyone to think carefully about their actions in the Great
British outdoors. We generally see a correlation between warmer
climates and increased alcohol consumption. As ever we urge the
public to drink sensibly, be aware of mixing alcoholic drinks and
that, where possible, try to alternate alcoholic drinks with water.
Whilst schools have adjourned until September, we would also like to
urge young people to think carefully about how they spend their free
time this summer.
The Trust has issued some advice which it hopes will help to avoid
accidents which often occur during the summer months:-
► Don't go swimming in lakes,
rivers, canals or reservoirs – some have unseen currents, dips,
ledges or equipment which can pull you under. Take a look at United
Utilities'
'Not a Game' video to see just some of the stresses
open water swimming can put your body through
► The lighter evenings and warm weather may mean that you are
more comfortable to walk longer distances alone; don't take risks,
always ensure that someone knows where you are
► This may be British sun, but it is still the same one as in
foreign countries! Wear appropriate sun-cream, and ensure that
children are covered up as much as possible. NEVER leave children
unattended in hot cars
► Don't think lighter fluid will cook those burgers quicker!
Do not use an accelerant to light a barbeque, and remember the coals
will stay hot long after they have gone out
► Keep children safe when they are playing on scooters or
bikes– make sure they are wearing protective head-gear and armour
► Remember to drink lots of rehydrating liquids!
Derek Cartwright, Director of Emergency Services, says:- "We
all want to enjoy the warm weather but no-one wants to spend summer
in plaster or worse! During warm periods we do see a rise in cases
such as assaults and falls, due to substance misuse and an increase
in barbeques and time spent enjoying the great outdoors. We just
urge you to think carefully about what you are doing. The advice may
seem straightforward, but these are types of avoidable accidents
that we see every day during hot weather. Many people don't realise
that whilst ambulance crews are dealing with incidents as a result
of drunken anti-social behaviour, they are delayed in getting to
people that really need help. It is also important to highlight
hangovers, headaches and feeling under the weather after a night out
can generally be treated in your own home, using medicine from your
local pharmacist and getting plenty of rest." |
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STANLEY STREET QUARTER
PREPARES TO CELEBRATE PLANS ANNOUNCED
THE number of motorists
found drink and drug driving in Merseyside during this year's
targeted summer awareness campaign has increased slightly compared
to last year.
During the month-long campaign in June, officers were out in force
across Merseyside targeting motorists suspected of driving after
having had a few drinks or taken drugs as well as stopping drivers
to speak to them about the risks of getting behind the wheel while
under the influence; particularly the morning after.
Between 1 June 2012 and 30 June 2012, a total of 3,443 drivers were
stopped in Merseyside and breath tested. Of those, 123 people failed
or refused a breath test, equating to 3.6%. Last year (2011), 3,034
drivers were given breath tests with 90 of those failing or
refusing, which equates to 2.9%. 25 drivers were also tested
for drugs resulting in seven arrests; the same amount as last year.
Head of Merseyside Police's Roads Policing Department Chief
Inspector John Hogan said:- "There is no excuse for getting
behind the wheel while under the influence of drink or drugs and
risking the safety and lives of others. Merseyside Police is
committed to tackling drink and drug drivers on our roads and it is
disappointing to see that people are still prepared to drive after
drinking or taking drugs. This summer we performed a higher number
of breath tests as well as carrying out more targeted enforcement
and we will continue to do so until our message is heard loud and
clear by all. We work hard with our partners to challenge the
perception that it is acceptable to get behind the wheel after
drinking alcohol or taking drugs and we carry out regular
enforcement as well as education all year round to tackle the
minority that persist to flout the law. Road traffic collisions
destroy lives; it could be your son, daughter, mother, father or
other loved one who is knocked over and killed by a drink or drug
driver. We are determined to do all we can to ensure fewer lives are
ruined as a result of careless or dangerous driving, but we ask
drivers to help us by driving carefully and responsibly."
The number of under 25 year olds who tested positive or refused a
breath test also increased from 4.6% last year to 6.3% this year.
This equates to a difference of 30 under 25 year olds in 2011 to 47
under 25 year olds in 2012.
Sgt Paul Mountford added:- "Young drivers have so many
opportunities to look forward to, they should not consider risking
it all by driving under the influence. Even the smallest amount of
alcohol or cannabis can affect your ability to drive safely. If it
is in your system, you will be prosecuted, and may end up with a
criminal record, which could have devastating consequences for your
future. Generally, home-poured drinks are larger than ones served in
pubs, which leads to more alcohol being consumed. It can take a
number of hours for alcohol to leave a person's system, often
meaning that a driver can still be over the limit or impaired the
following day. If anyone is any doubt they should use public
transport rather than risk driving."
Any driver involved in a road traffic collision, or who commits a
traffic offence, can expect to be breathalysed and may be required
to perform an impairment test. Should they fail the breath test, or
perform poorly during the impairment test they may be arrested and
the penalties can be severe.
The Dark Knight Rises Film Review
AS a mark of respect
following the Century 16 Movie Theatre in Aurora, Colorado, we will
be postponing this weeks film review of The Dark Knight Rises to
next week, but we can say we have giving it a 4 out of 5 rating.
Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of the victims.
Please note that The Printworks Odeon's IMAX screen
is so busy with the new Batman film that they've had to introduce a
new late showing of it at 11.30pm in order to try to cope with
demand. |
