THE South East Coast Ambulance Service has declared a critical incident after one of its busiest days of the year left crews struggling to cope with unprecedented demand.
The critical incident was declared at 10.40pm on Thursday (June 26) following what the Trust described as a sustained period of exceptionally high demand, with a significant number of emergency calls still waiting for an ambulance response, including several involving seriously ill or injured patients.
The pressure comes after one of the busiest days experienced by South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) this year, combined with ongoing strain across the wider NHS and health and care system, as well as increased demand linked to the recent hot weather.
By declaring a critical incident, the Trust is prioritising its resources to respond to life-threatening emergencies.
Strategic Commander James Pavey said: “By declaring a critical incident, it allows our teams to focus our efforts on those patients who need us most. We are therefore focusing our resources on life-threatening emergencies.
“People contacting us with less serious conditions are likely to experience longer waits. In some cases, patients may be clinically assessed and advised to seek alternative care, rather than an ambulance being dispatched.
“We are asking the public to support us during this time by only calling 999 in a life-threatening emergency.”
Residents who require medical help but whose condition is not life-threatening are being urged to use NHS 111 online or by telephone, or seek advice from their GP, pharmacist or a local urgent treatment centre where appropriate.
Although temperatures are expected to fall over the coming days, the ambulance service has warned that demand is likely to remain high and says additional measures are being put in place to restore normal service as quickly as possible.
The Trust is also reminding people to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the hottest parts of the day and check on elderly or vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours.
SECAmb thanked the public for their patience and understanding, and praised frontline staff for their continued dedication during what it described as an extremely challenging period.
