Anyone calling for an ambulance tonight may be given an initial video consultation as part of plans to deal with emergencies during the impending Storm Goretti.
With a Red wind warning already in place across the Bailiwick, along with a flood warning for Guernsey’s west coast, the Ambulance and Rescue Service has been working on plans with the rest of the emergency services and official bodies.
Ambulance and Rescue manages all emergency ambulance services in both Guernsey and Alderney. Bosses said special arrangements are already being put in place in each island with those plans being reviewed as the situation develops.
“The safety and protection of patients, staff, and volunteers will continue to be our priority,” said an ambulance spokesperson.
Additional ambulance crews and Operational Commanders will be on duty overnight in both Guernsey and Alderney, said the spokesperson. Ambulances will also be put on standby at satellite locations around Guernsey so they can quickly respond.
To ensure the safety and protection of everyone during the storm’s peak – this evening and overnight – further “operational changes” are being flagged now, which includes a new way of triaging calls using telephone and video calls where necessary.
“Operational changes may be needed during the storm, and at times there may be delays to ambulance responses,” explained the spokesperson. “For medical emergencies the public is advised to call 999 in the normal way. Calls will be triaged with the priority being given to life-threatening cases.
“A paramedic officer will be stationed at the Joint Emergency Services Control Centre (JESCC) to assist with clinical triage, which may involve a video consultation as part of the initial assessment. For some less urgent calls, medical advice from a clinician may be given over the phone.”