Chief Medical Officer calls on Londoners to stay safe in cold
As temperatures continue to drop in the capital, the Chief Medical Officer at London Ambulance Service is advising people to take additional steps to keep safe, adding that 999 should only be called in a life-threatening emergency. Cold weather can be particularly dangerous for the elderly, young children and anyone with an underlying health condition.
“With temperatures plunging and snow falling in the capital,” Dr Fenella Wrigley, Chief Medical Officer at London Ambulance Service, said, “please make sure you wrap up warm and wear suitable clothing and footwear for the conditions if you’re going outside – especially if it’s icy or snowing.
“Wearing two or three lighter layers can keep you warmer than one woolly or thick jumper.
“Please also look out for family, friends and neighbours who may be at risk and vulnerable in colder weather. If you know someone is on their own – please do reach out to them.
“For those who may be isolated and struggling in colder weather, just popping in for a cup of tea to say hello and making sure they are stocked with groceries and their heating is working would make such a difference.”
Existing health conditions can be exacerbated by cold temperatures so making sure you have enough of any medication you need and keeping important medicine with you is crucial.
“Our teams are always here to help if you need us,” Dr Wrigley added. “We are extremely busy at the moment so we are asking the public to help us where possible.”
That also includes cold weather advice. Contacting your GP, pharmacy or NHS 111 for nay medical advice is recommended.
Finally, if you have concerns about someone sleeping rough, but is not an emergency situation, you can contact StreetLink, which can connect anyone sleeping rough to local services to support them. 999 is only to be used in an emergency.
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