You could help fight to save lives this winter

The festive season is the North West Ambulance Service’s busiest time of year and health bosses are reminding people to stock up on regular medication before the public holidays when GP surgeries close and to take care at parties and nights out.

They advise drinking in moderation, avoiding dehydration and wearing a coat as the weather is set to turn colder.

Derek Cartwright, director of operations at NWAS, said: “The holiday period and New Year’s Eve is our busiest time of year and we expect this year will be no exception.

“So we can best respond to people with potentially life-threatening conditions, we need the help of the public to keep ambulances free.”