Friday 10th April 2015 – 11.15am – Steve Parry.
Patients who suffer from breathing difficulties and associated medical conditions are being warned about a potentially harmful cloud of smog covering parts of the UK.
The West Midlands is likely to experience moderate levels of cloud which is believed to be blowing in from Europe and mixing with home-grown pollutants to create the potential for some health issues.
West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) is currently not experiencing an increase in 999 calls as a result of the smog. However, the Trust is carefully monitoring the meteorological situation.
WMAS medical director, Dr Andrew Carson said: “A prolonged period of these conditions poses real difficulties to those patients with emphysema, asthma and long term breathing problems.
“Air pollution and smog can make breathing difficult even for healthy individuals. That’s why we suggest people with respiratory illnesses should remain vigilant at this time and may prefer to remain indoors as much as possible.
“In cases of breathing difficulties, it is vital that we respond to these patients as quickly as possible and I would therefore ask the public to assist us by only calling 999 for an ambulance in life threatening situations.”
Weather forecasters are suggesting the pollution over parts of the UK should clear later today.
– Ends –
Useful advice at this time:
• Those with existing lung and heart conditions may find symptoms worsen
• They should avoid doing too much, especially outdoors
• Healthy people may experience minor symptoms such as a sore throat or a tickly cough
• They should avoid strenuous activity in order to reduce such symptoms