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Litherland
Youngster Partners with a special 4 Legged Friend
CHRISTMAS came early for 10
year old Rainbow from Litherland, who has recently welcomed a new
member to his family in the form of 5 year old labrador cross golden
retriever, Drake. Drake has been placed with the family as part of
the Guide Dogs' Buddy Dog programme, which aims to match specially
selected dogs within a school or family environment for the benefit
of blind or partially sighted children and young people.
Rainbow, whose several eye conditions, including glaucoma has very
limited vision and is only able to perceive light and shadows was
accepted to receive one of these very special dogs. Following a
pilot scheme ran by Guide Dogs, it was recognized that buddy dogs
can help improve the life of blind and partially sighted children
and young people by contributing to sensory and physical
development, enhancing their confidence and self esteem, countering
isolation and depression, increasing levels of exercise and
improving their communication and mobility skills.
Rainbow's nan, Lynn says:- "immediately, Drake just knew that
he was here for Rainbow. They have bonded so well together, it is
lovely to see. Rainbow is doing everything himself to look after and
care for Drake, this is hopefully excellent preparation for Rainbow
to one day become a guide dog owner. Rainbow's excitement was clear
when Drake was first placed in the household."
This moment was also captured in filming for a future episode of the
Me and My Guide Dog program which will be featured on ITV.
Rainbow is now having fun teaching Drake new tricks and says:-
"Drake is the best ever early Christmas present!"
Guide Dogs are delighted that Drake, a guide dog who retired early
is now able to provide such a loving companion for Rainbow and will
continue to support the partnership to ensure the best possible
outcomes for Rainbow and Drake.
To find out more about the work of
Guide Dogs, please visit:-
guidedogs.org.uk.
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NWAS TURNS ON
THE BLUE LIGHTS TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS
A recent survey by the
North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) found the general public has
some misconceptions about what happens when they ring 999. For
example, almost half (47%) of people in the North West think an
emergency ambulance will reach an elderly person in less than ten
minutes if they fall. However, ambulances are not always dispatched,
and if they are, can take up to 4 hours to arrive when it's not a
serious or life threatening situation.
That's why NWAS has launched its #Team999 campaign, which aims to
educate the public about the different care options available when
they call 999; as an ambulance or a trip to hospital might not be in
the best interests of the patient.
There are 2,700 ambulance clinicians working in the North West,
including Ruth Thomas; Emergency Medical Technician and Pete
Sutcliffe; Paramedic, who this month are being profiled by the
#Team999 campaign to raise public awareness of their role and skills
within the ambulance service.
Educating the public about what happens when they call 999 is
especially important over the festive period; traditionally a very
busy time for NWAS. From April 2012; March 2013, ten of the fifteen
busiest days of the year for NWAS fell within the festive season.
The busiest day in this period was New Year's Day, with 5,125 calls
to the ambulance service, which is 70 per cent higher than the
number of calls received on an average day (3,000). This was
followed by 21 December 2012 (commonly known as 'Mad Friday) with
3,866 calls and 26 December 2012, Boxing Day, with 3,799 calls.
Pete said:- "The Christmas period is always a really busy time
of year for NWAS, so it's really important to let people know when
they should be calling an ambulance, what could happen when they do,
and what other help is available."
Ruth said:- "There is no doubt that, in a medical emergency,
it is essential to call 999 and get a trained member of the
ambulance service on the scene as soon as possible. However, if it
is a less urgent situation, people should think about the other
options; for example taking alternative transport to the hospital,
visiting their GP or local walk-in centre, calling NHS 111, or
following self-care advice at home. It's also worth noting that
arriving at A&E in an ambulance will not get you seen any faster
than if you'd arrived there by other means."
The remaining #Team999 representatives will be profiled over the
next 3 months through Q&A sessions, social media takeovers,
roadshows, short films and a range of other activities to further
increase public awareness. |
