St John Ambulance helps community midwives in Worcestershire during the big freeze
Tuesday, 29 January, 2013
St John Ambulance crews have been helping community midwives in the Worcestershire area during the recent snow in the region.
The leading first aid charity is geared up to support the West Midlands Ambulance Service, ready if needed with St John Ambulance 4x4 vehicles to reach patients in rural areas or to get to isolated parts of the region.
Two of the vehicles have been providing support to the NHS in Worcestershire, to transport community midwives to urgent patient calls.
Glen Curry, Regional Events Manager for St John Ambulance, said: 'Some of the midwives may not have been able to get to patients in their normal vehicles so, by providing a 4x4 ambulance we are able to help them reach patients who may urgently need their help. St John Ambulance is a vital part of the region's emergency response system, supporting communities and the statutory services. We are pleased to be able to be the difference for the PCT and their patients.'
In times of crisis, such as snow or flooding, St John Ambulance crews provide support to the West Midlands Ambulance Service with 4x4 ambulances enabling them to reach patients in remote areas and provide immediate emergency care and transport to hospital where needed.
'Whether it's to reduce the strain on the West Midlands Ambulance Service or respond to an individual medical emergency, our volunteers and staff are on hand. In times of crisis, emergency first aid support from St John Ambulance is the difference between lives lost and lives saved. In previous years we have been out in 4x4s aiding and rescuing the vulnerable and the stranded. Fortunately, we have an action plan in place for these kinds of emergencies and we are fully prepared to assist this weekend if needed.'
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: 'The contribution from St John Ambulance with their 4x4 capability is very valuable at a time like this. It will greatly help us get to people in need of help in hard-to-reach areas. We are very grateful for their assistance.'
Across the West Midlands region there are 4,500 St John Ambulance volunteers who give hours of their time to the charity to provide first aid cover at local events as well as supporting the NHS.
St John Ambulance also provides first aid training courses for members of the public as well as workplace first aid training. Here are some of the organisation's top tips for conditions commonly associated with winter:
