Adverse weather causes ‘severe’ problems for Yorkshire Ambulance Service

Don’t call us unless it’s a serious or life-threatening emergency.

That’s the message from Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, as “hazardous” conditions meant it was taking longer for crews to reach patients.

Mark Millins, strategic commander at the trust, said: “Due to the very snowy conditions across West, South and North Yorkshire, driving conditions are very difficult and many roads are gridlocked so this is having a severe impact on our operations.

“We are asking members of the public to only call us in a serious or life-threatening emergency to help us focus our efforts on our most poorly patients.

“Our dedicated staff are working extremely hard to reach patients as quickly and safely as possible but, understandably, the hazardous driving conditions and blocked roads mean that it is taking us longer than normal in the worst-hit areas.

“Please take extra care when out driving or walking and, where possible, avoid travelling at all in snowy or icy conditions.

“If you do have to go out, ensure that you wear appropriate footwear and warm clothing. Also, please stay in touch with elderly and vulnerable relatives and neighbours to ensure they are safe and well.”