Fairy tales with modern twists will teach youngsters when to call 999
and live on Freeview channel 276
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.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdParamedic 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.
"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.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdVictoria 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.