Help save lives, move out of the way of ambulances

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust has produced a video to help people to better understand the trust’s needs, reduce the risks they face, contribute to a safer road environment and maybe help to save a life.
Driving standards manager at the foundation trust, Jon Porter, said: “Vital seconds in the event of any medical emergency can make a real difference to a patient’s outcome.
"In the event of a cardiac arrest, without early intervention and defibrillation the chances of long term survival decline by as much as 10 per cent per minute.”
He said: “We have been involved with and fully support the creation of this public information video, together with many emergency service colleagues from other NHS ambulance trusts, the police and fire services, other training authorities and road safety organisations.
“Our double crewed ambulances, rapid response vehicles and motor cycles make ‘blue light’ journeys because someone needs their urgent medical help.”
He said that although road users wanted to help emergency services, the vast majority of road users remained confused about what they should do in order to provide the best help when they found themselves faced with a blue light situation.
As a result, too many members of the public put themselves in danger, broke the law or risk damage to their cars while trying to assist an emergency vehicle.
Mr Porter added: “By watching ‘Blue Light Aware’ you will better understand the needs of the emergency services, you will be reducing the risks you face and you will be contributing to a safer road environment.
"What’s more you might also be helping to save a life.”
Visit the video at