Paramedics and ambulance workers in the north west will walk out on strike today in a row over pay and conditions.
Today is the first of two days of strike action that will see paramedics, call handlers, emergency care assistants and other ambulance staff walk out. A second day of strike action will be held on December 28.
Ambulance staff are the latest members of the NHS to take part in industrial action and their walk-out follows two days of strikes by the Royal College of Nursing.
READ MORE: Merseyrail could expand to more destinations after new trains tested
How will the north west be affected?
According to a letter seen by ITV News, the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) is planning for 72 hours of disruption. During the strike periods the staff available will focus on life-threatening injuries and illnesses.
Patients will not be able to be transferred between hospitals, with senior clinicians available in control rooms to advise.
NWAS has warned its staff that there will be a 'significant and noticeable difference in the way we operate', as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
A leaked memo states that during today's strike action, 'confirmed' cases of cardiac arrests and 'immediate threats to life' will continue to attract an ambulance response, but if A&E attendance is required 'immediate self-conveyance or taxi conveyance will be advised in all other circumstances'.
Calling 999
If there is an emergency, you should still call 999 as there will be staff answering emergency calls and sending ambulances out to help people.
All Category 1 calls - classed as the most life-threatening situations, such as cardiac arrest - will be responded to by an ambulance. However the strike action may mean that conditions thought not to be immediately life-threatening may not be immediately attended.
Who is on strike?
Members of the GMB, Unite and Unison unions will take part in strike action on Wednesday, with NWAS saying in a memo that a 'large proportion' of its total workforce will be involved.
The memo said: "We are taking steps to minimise the impact on the public and ensure we can respond to life-threatening emergencies during the periods of action, however we need you to be aware that there will be a significant and noticeable difference in the way we operate," reads the memo."
While across the country it is predominantly ambulance workers and paramedics heading out on strike, they will be joined in Liverpool by other staff from two trusts. Unison members in a range of roles working at Liverpool's main trust - which includes the Royal Liverpool Hospital and Aintree - and at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital will also be out on strike.
READ NEXT:
Masked men storm Royal Mail depot and steal parcels days before Christmas
Merseyrail could expand to more destinations after new trains tested
'Caring' woman, 32, dies after house fire as fiancé fights for life
CCTV appeal after brazen burglar broke into house and went upstairs in broad daylight
