Ambulance service gears up for Tour de Yorkshire

Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust (YAS) is encouraging everyone to make the right choice for medical treatment over the early May bank holiday weekend.

The service is expecting to see an increase in demand, particularly with around two million people predicted to turn out and watch the Tour de Yorkshire cycle race, which runs from Thursday 3 May to Sunday 6 May.

People are being reminded to only call 999 in the event of a serious or life-threatening emergency. For other illnesses and injuries, consider other more appropriate healthcare services such as self-care or your local pharmacist or walk-in centre. The NHS 111 service can also provide advice and support 24/7.

Stephen Segasby, Deputy Director of Operations at Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said: “Bank holiday weekends often result in more demand for ambulances, so using the service appropriately will help us make sure our patients get the right response first time.

“We’re expecting this weekend to be particularly busy and we have additional resources such as cycle response units and motorcycles alongside ambulances and rapid response vehicles to ensure things remain business as usual.

“We want everyone to have fun but stay safe whilst out and about, which includes drinking responsibly. We’re also asking people to check that they have enough medication, so that they can enjoy the long weekend without the worry of running out of essential tablets and medicines.”

Staff and volunteers from YAS will be posting photos and videos on social media during the Tour de Yorkshire and spectators are being encouraged to do the same.

You can share your photos and videos using #TdY on the following networks:

Facebook: search for YorksAmbulance

Twitter: @YorksAmbulance

Instagram: @YorksAmbulance