AMBULANCE, PLEASE ... I HAVE A PAPERCUT
THE Welsh Ambulance Service Trust (WAST) has shared some of the most inappropriate and ludicrous calls received in 2021.
There was someone who accidentally ate a rotten tomato, and another who called after suffering a papercut.
Operators also received calls from people with queries about their medication, and those who were experiencing diarrhoea.
Someone even asked for a lift to A&E because they had no money for a taxi.
Calls such as these may be grounds for medical attention, but they do not constitute an emergency – yet they make up about a quarter of all calls to the WAST.
In 2021, a total of 470,653 incidents were recorded – thousands of which were deemed nonessential.
The NHS is experiencing unprecedented demand due to the coronavirus pandemic, so the ambulance service is urging everyone to use 999 responsibly.
Chief Executive Jason Killens said: “Our ambulance service exists to help people who are seriously ill or injured, or where there is an immediate threat to their life.
“That’s people who’ve stopped breathing, people with chest pain or breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, choking, severe allergic reactions, catastrophic bleeding or someone who is having a stroke.
“People with something stuck in their ear still have a clinical need, but calling 999 for that is ill-judged when there are so many other ways to access more appropriate help.
“Non-essential calls represent nearly a quarter of our total 999 calls, and time spent dealing with these could be time spent helping someone in a life or death situation.”
As Covid-19 tightens its grip, the Trust is asking the public to think about the many alternatives to 999.
Director of Operations Lee Brooks said: “Winter is traditionally our busiest period, and we also have a global pandemic to contend with.
“It’s easy to make fun of the people who call 999 foolishly, but actually, these people do have a legitimate clinical need they just don’t know where to turn for it.
“We’re asking the public to educate themselves on the NHS services available in their area, of which there are many.
“The symptom checkers on the NHS 111 Wales website are a good place to start for advice and information, or you could phone 111 to speak to a nurse or health information advisor.
“Also think about your local pharmacist, dentist and optician, as well as your minor injuries unit and GP.
“Also ensure you have a well-stocked medicine cabinet for things which can be treated at home, like coughs and colds, sore throats and grazed knees.
“Every single one of us has a responsibility to use NHS services wisely and protect them for those who need them most.
“Help us to help you, and think twice before you call 999.”
THE life of an Anglesey wind farm is set to be extended by 10 years.
Island planners are recommending approving an application to retain the 14 wind turbines at the Trysglwyn site near Rhosybol until 2031.
The proposal would also extend the period where the farm needs to be decommissioned as well as extend the period where a turbine needs to be dismantled if it is not producing electricity.
In a report to the planning committee today, Wednesday, planning officials said permission for the wind farm was granted on appeal in 1993 and it became operational in 1996.
The key issues raised in the report are whether the proposal is justified in this location, complies with local and national policies and if it will have a detrimental impact upon any nearby properties and surrounding landscape.
The turbines can supply around 5,000 homes with power.
In the report, officials state the application seeks to extend the operational life of the wind farm by 10 years to 35 years from the point of first generation. It notes applicant Ventient Energy Ltd submitted the application in an effort to maximise the wind farm’s generating potential.
“Although the life time was originally set at 25 years, if properly maintained, turbines can operate beyond their original design life and contribute to the meeting of targets and supply of renewable power without the requirement for repowering,” the report said. A condition of the appeal decision requires that if any wind turbine fails to produce electricity supplied to the local grid for a continuous period of six months then that turbine along with any ancillary equipment shall be dismantled and removed and the site reinstated for agricultural use within three months.
Recommending approval, the report states: “On balance, it is considered the benefit of renewable energy outweighs the impact upon the landscape. The proposed development will bring an improved socio economic element which will benefit the local community by providing renewable energy.”