Snow patrol

Dedicated St John Ambulance volunteers have been working through the night, treating patients for conditions such as fractures and dehydration, and transporting terminally ill patients in 4x4 vehicles. They are working to support ambulance services throughout the country as heavy blizzards prevent conventional ambulances from reaching patients.

Caring for patients

Darryl Bagley, a volunteer in Derbyshire who was on duty last night (Tuesday 5 January), said: ‘We were busy all night with calls. The worst was an 89-year-old lady who had fallen twice in her home, the second time breaking ribs when she landed. She lived in a remote village on the border of Derbyshire and South Yorkshire and a normal ambulance couldn’t have got there in a million years. It was treacherous. Fortunately our 4x4 got through and we were able to give her a full medical assessment and get her in a comfortable condition at the scene before transporting her to hospital.

‘We’re pleased to support the ambulance service at times like this to make sure everyone gets the care and treatment they need.’

Support all around the country

The first aid charity has its own fleet of ambulances including 4x4 vehicles which provide regular backup to the NHS during busy periods. When heavy snow was forecast they received urgent calls for help from trusts in areas such as the West Midlands, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Berkshire, Staffordshire, Yorkshire and Derbyshire. Volunteers have been transporting patients around the country between homes, surgeries and hospitals, deploying 4x4 vehicles in the worst hit areas of the country where access may be limited.

St John Ambulance volunteers will remain active throughout the next few days to further support the ambulance service if required.