South East Coast Ambulance trust takes over 3,000 Boxing Day 999 calls
The service says demand for its services remains high into the New Year
Last updated 2nd Jan 2025
The South East Coast Ambulance trust (SECAmb) is urging people to use their services wisely, after taking more than 3,000 calls on Boxing Day.
Call handlers for the service, which operates across Kent, Surrey and Sussex, also responded to around 6,000 alerts last Saturday and Sunday (December 28th-29th).
At peak times across New Year’s Eve and New Years Day, the trust was responding to approximately to three calls every minute.
With demand expected to remain high into the first weekend of 2025, people are being reminded that 999 should only be called in cases of serious or life-threatening emergencies.
People dealing with less major incidents are reminded to use alternatives, such as speaking to a pharmacist for advice or making use of NHS 111 either by phone or online at 111.nhs.uk.
SECAmb Chief Executive, Simon Weldon said:
"I would like to every colleague who has worked so hard throughout the past 12 months to respond to the needs of our patients. Thank you to everyone who has spent time away from their family and friends to look after our communities over Christmas and New Year.
“I would also like to thank all our volunteers. They provide vital support, day-in, day-out, to our frontline teams, freely giving up their time to make their communities safer.
“I am certain that 2025 will see our teams, whatever their role across our organisation, continue to provide compassionate care to their local population.
“As a service, we will do everything we can to ensure we are providing the best possible care for our patients by working in close partnership with the wider NHS and partner organisations across our region."
What can we do to keep ourselves safe over winter
Take up the opportunity for flu and COVID-19 booster vaccinations when offered to protect yourself and others.
Look out for any vulnerable family or friends – is there anything you can do to help them? Are there any hazards in their homes? Do their slippers need replacing?
Wear appropriate shoes when outside especially during icy weather. We typically see an increase in slips and trips during colder spells
Heat homes to at least 18C (65F). You might prefer your main living room to be slightly warmer
Keep your bedroom at 18C all night if you can – and reduce drafts – if you’re under 65, healthy and active, you can safely have your home cooler than 18C, as long as you’re comfortable
Keep active when you’re indoors. Try not to sit still for more than an hour or so
Wear several layers of light clothes. They trap warm air better than one bulky layer
Check your home medicines cabinet – is everything in date? Restock with essentials including cold remedies, pain killers, indigestion tablets and diarrhoea and constipation remedies