First aiders at St Pancras

First aid volunteer treating a member of the public for cold

Volunteers continue to support the ambulance service, as 999 calls mount up around the country because of the severe weather increasing demand and impeding the usual mobility of the service.

Emergency response

John Newman, Interim Head of Operations at St John Ambulance, said: 'Whenever there's a situation of greater than normal 999 calls, St John Ambulance volunteers can be called into action as part of the emergency response. We're seeing this at the moment and we're urging people to be cautious when they call 999.

It is important to make the 999 call early if it is a life threatening emergency but for less urgent situations you might want to consider using other services

John Newman
Interim Head of Operations, St John Ambulance

999 advice

'It is important to make the 999 call early if it is a life threatening emergency but for less urgent situations you might want to consider using other services, such as your own doctor, NHS Direct or, where emergency transport is not essential, attending walk in centres or your local A&E.'

Eurostar support

Volunteers will  also be providing first aid support, alongside the London Ambulance Service, at the Eurostar terminal at St Pancras station. The trained first aiders were requested by Network Rail as a precautionary measure in case passengers are taken ill while waiting for trains delayed in the adverse weather.

Mr Newman continued: 'In London itself we've got first aiders at both St Pancras and Liverpool Street stations. With the Eurostar services out of St Pancras affected, Network Rail is concerned for the welfare of delayed passengers which is why they want first aiders on standby. We anticipate treating passengers for exhaustion, stress and symptoms of the cold but most of all it should be reassuring for those travelling that they will be well looked after, receiving immediate treatment and care by those trained to deliver emergency assistance.'