Fairy tales with modern twists will teach youngsters when to call 999

North West Ambulance Service is using classic fairy tales to educate children about when it is appropriate to call the emergency services.
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Stories such as 'Sleeping Beauty' and 'Hansel and Gretel' have been given a modern twist in a new book, launched at Fleetwood's Charity Primary School in Preesall yesterday (Wednesday.)

The concept was created after NWAS reported more than one million 999 calls in 2019, with a third of these calls for a non-emergency situation, including back aches and falls.

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Paramedic of 12 years Graham Pacey, 34, who read the story to the Over Wyre school's pupils, said: "Educating children means we can change behaviours for the future, and it's important that we can get the ambulances to the right people when they need them.

Paramedic Graham Pacey, pupils Tilly Madden and Jude Mundy, and deputy headteacher Victoria Gladwin.Paramedic Graham Pacey, pupils Tilly Madden and Jude Mundy, and deputy headteacher Victoria Gladwin.
Paramedic Graham Pacey, pupils Tilly Madden and Jude Mundy, and deputy headteacher Victoria Gladwin.

"My child is just learning to read as well, and he will be reading the book with me so he can learn when it's right to call 999."

The book characters are put into scenarios where they need emergency attention, including a prince having a seizure, requiring a call to 111.

It will be available to all primary school-aged children across the North West.

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Victoria Gladwin, deputy headteacher at Fleetwood's Charity, said: "Clearly there is a problem with people phoning ambulances when they shouldn't do, so there needs to be awareness of it, not just for children but across the board.

"We've always taught first aid to our pupils, so we can incorporate this into that side of our work."

For more information about the concept, click here.

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