Local ambulance chiefs have issued advice for anyone taking advantage of what might, possibly, be some decent Bank Holiday weather.

“Enjoy yourself but don’t become an accident statistic.”  That ‘s the plea from bosses at West Midlands Ambulance Service who are preparing for what is traditionally a busy Bank Holiday weekend.

With the weather looking like it might stay dry and not too cold, many people are likely to be out and about over the three day break. Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, Daren Fradgley, said: “This Bank Holiday is traditionally the time when people start their summer activities. Unfortunately, some of these do lead to us receiving 999 calls. This time last year we dealt with a range of problems such people getting into difficulties in quarries, rivers and on the hills, gardening and DIY injuries and of course a range of crashes on the region’s roads. By all means, go out and enjoy the fabulous area that we live in, but please take necessary precautions that will keep yourself safe”

Camping

Never use fuel-burning devices (disposable barbecues, camping stoves, camping heaters, lanterns and charcoal grills) inside a tent. You could put yourself at risk of suffering carbon monoxide poisoning or a fire.

Walking and Climbing

Make sure you take the appropriate gear including waterproofs, suitable footwear and warm clothing, and leave a note of where you are going and take a mobile phone and maps with you.

Cycle Safety

Whilst it is up to the individual, you should always wear a cycle helmet and preferably have bright and /or reflective clothing on. Never wear headphones while on your bike; be aware of and show courtesy to other road users.

Rivers, Lakes and Canals

Use appropriate safety equipment such as life jackets, don’t dive into water as you are unlikely to know how deep it is and be aware that at this time of year you could get cold very quickly.

Gardening

Do not put your fingers in places where the blades of the likes of lawn mowers are. Ensure you do not mow over the electricity cable and ensure there is a circuit breaker on all electrical equipment. Do not try to lift things that are too heavy.

DIY Safety

Store tools out of the way of children and pets. Always use the correct tools for the job. Ladders are one of the main causes of DIY accidents.Wear protective clothing including safety goggles, gloves and dust mask when working with potentially hazardous materials. When fixing or checking electrical appliances or connections, always switch off the power and remove the fuse or circuit breakers. If in doubt, consult a professional.

Driving

Allow plenty of time to make your journey and be aware of when the busy periods are likely to be. Don’t drive while you are tired and always use a child safety seat for youngsters. If you are on a motorcycle, please wear leathers and a helmet.

Mr Fradgley continued: “All of the above advice is basically common sense yet every year we have to deal with people injured in each of these types of incident. If you do injury yourself and require help from the NHS, we would ask that you ‘Choose Well’ and make sure you access the most appropriate part of the health service.”

WMAS also ask people to bear in mind the following:

• Keep common remedies and pain relief at home
• You can get help and advice from NHS Direct (0845 46 47) or NHS 111 over the phone
• There is a wealth of information on line at www.nhs.uk
• You can ask a pharmacist for advice about over the counter medicines
• Make sure you have sufficient supplies of your regular prescriptions
• If it is less serious, why not make use of a minor injuries unit or walk in centre
• Only attend A&E or dial 999 if it is a life threatening emergency