Kent ambulance service reports dramatic rise in demand from previous month
The South East Coast Ambulance service say they're currently seeing 10% more demand compared to this time last month going into the festive period
The local ambulance say the cold weather is already causing a rise in demand for them over the festive period
The South East Coast Ambulance service say they expect the demand to carry on rising as we get closer to Christmas
Richard Harker, who is one of the Heads of Operations at the service, says the sudden drop in temperature has been a factor
"But the main thing of course this time of year is all the respiratory related conditions. So we've got COVID, we've still got flu and people can help us of course by getting a flu jab where it's available and and generally looking after themselves."
Mr Harker told us that during the festive bank holiday the service can receive and average of two calls a minute.
"We're talking Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and periods where we've had bank holidays, we can exceed 3000 calls a day. So my advice to people is is to try and help us as much as much as possible really so."
The service told us that ways people can help out are by getting flu jabbed if you're eligible, and making sure you're using the right service
Mr Harker told us the places that people should consider instead of an ambulance if the issue wasn't life threatening
"If anyone can use for for less serious conditions, services such as NHS 111, you can call them on the phone or both services are available online. You've of course got local pharmacies, urgent treatment centres around the county and of course GP surgeries.
Although I'm asking people to try and seek alternative arrangements for healthcare needs, it's just really important that people also don't ignore serious conditions. So any serious injuries, bleeding, chest pain."