ESSEX paramedics have released a video to help crews find patients in the dark during winter. 

Matt Broad, a Locality Director for the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST), gives some tips on how you can help ambulance staff find you quickly if you or a loved one need emergency medical help this winter.

Every minute counts in a life-threatening emergency and friends and family may feel helpless when a loved one is suffering. However, there are simple steps people can take to help ambulance staff and community first responders to find them in the dark.

This is particularly important as the number of daylight hours reduces ahead of the shortest day next month.

The latest advice from the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust’s (EEAST) are seven simple and quick things you could do to help:

1. Your house does not have to be lit up like Santa’s grotto. However, please turn on an outside light and ensure your house name or number is clearly visible from the road

2. Make sure that there are no trees, bushes or other foliage obstructing signage

3. Ensure your number stands out – black on white or vice versa is best

4. Leave hazard lights on a car parked in the drive or on the road

5. Mention any local landmarks or buildings you’re near when making a call

6. Is there someone with you who could go outside to flag down the emergency services?

7. Take the ‘have it handy’ approach today: look up your home’s map grid reference in case of emergency

The ambulance service has launched ‘Wise Up For Winter’ which will cover themes such as the most common reasons people call in winter, a day in the life of patient care, and how people can keep safe and well.

People can access advice at www.eastamb.nhs.uk and can help spread the vital health messages with friends and family who may not be online. You can find EEAST on Facebook and follow on Twitter using #winterwise to keep up to date with the winter tips.