The public have been urged to drink responsibly, think again about contact sports and avoid running on icy roads as ambulance workers prepare to go on strike. The series of warnings come as concern grows ahead of planned strike action on Wednesday, when the NHS is set to be hit by major disruption as ambulance workers, including paramedics, control room workers and technicians all walk out in England and Wales.
Health minister Will Quince issued a stark message on Tuesday morning, warning people to stay safe and to avoid “risky activity”. He told BBC Breakfast: “Where people are planning any risky activity, I would strongly encourage them not to do so because there will be disruption on the day.”
Mr Quince did not initially set out what risky activity might entail, but he later he told BBC Radio 5 Live that taking a jog on an icy road, some contact sport or going on an “unnecessary” drive could all be seen as potentially unadvisable on strike day.
“If there is activity that people are undertaking tomorrow, whether it’s for example, contact sport or other things, they might want to want to review that,” he said. He said that running was not “hugely risky”, but added: “Would I go running tomorrow, if it was still icy? No, I wouldn’t, because that would encompass additional risk.”
Asked if people should drive, he said: “Well, if there are unnecessary journeys, I would say don’t, no. But I’m not going to say people shouldn’t drive but of course take care.”
Downing Street declined to set out what “risky” activities might include, with the prime minister’s official spokesman telling reporters: “The public, as we saw through Covid, can be trusted to use their common sense.”
The NHS England later joined in the warnings as it asked people to avoid dangerous drinking to avoid ending up in A&E, asking the public to take “sensible measures” to avoid requiring emergency care. Anyone taking medication should also stock up, medics advised.
Medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: “There is no doubt that the NHS is facing extreme pressure and industrial action will add to the already record demand we are seeing on urgent and emergency care, and so it is really important that the public play their part by using services wisely.”
Ministers and NHS leaders said people should still call 999 for emergencies – but they are being asked to take extra steps to keep themselves and others safe. Sir Stephen said: “People can also help by taking sensible steps to keep themselves and others safe during this period and not ending up in A&E – whether that is drinking responsibly or checking up on a family member of neighbour who may be particularly vulnerable to make sure they are OK.”
During the strike, the military will not drive ambulances on blue lights for the most serious calls but are expected to provide support on other calls. Talks between unions and ambulance services are ongoing to work out which incidents should be exempt from strike action.
It is expected that all category one calls – the most life-threatening, such as cardiac arrest – will be responded to. Some ambulance trusts have agreed exemptions with unions for specific incidents within so-called category two, which covers serious conditions such as stroke or chest pain.
Caroline Abrahams from Age UK said it is important older people remember emergency care will still be available. But she added: “Our advice is that older people should always take sensible precautions to try to reduce their risk of a fall, especially in the winter when pavements can be slippery.
“However, most older people who fall do so at home so it’s just as important to identify and neutralise trip hazards, not only in response to today’s strike but more generally.”
