Ambulance service prepares for Storm Ciaran

Guernsey’s ambulance service has deployed additional resources across the Bailiwick as part of the special arrangements being put in place ahead of Storm Ciaran.

A paramedic officer has been sent to Alderney to provide additional clinical and command support for the Alderney ambulance crew. Some of the Alderney staff have also offered to cancel their leave so they can be on standby if needed. Another paramedic officer has been sent to Sark to provide additional resilience for the island and support for the Sark doctor. Herm island has been informed of contingency plans, and on-island responders will receive hear and treat clinical support from Guernsey if required.

The decision to increase resilience in the other islands was made following the warning of severe weather with winds of up to 95 mph predicted. The airport and harbours will be closed on Thursday at the height of the storm, meaning there will be no flights or ferries.

Islanders are being advised to stay at home on Thursday and not travel unless essential. Schools will also be closed.

In Guernsey, additional ambulance crews will also be on duty during the next 36 hours, with some operational changes possible during the storm. At times there may be some delays to ambulance responses, however 999 calls will be triaged and life-threatening cases will be given priority. For less urgent calls medical advice from a clinician may be given over the phone, by a paramedic officer who will be stationed at the Joint Emergency Services Control Centre (JESSC).

St John Ambulance and Rescue Service (SJARS) Chief Executive Officer, Mark Mapp, is asking islanders to heed the advice from the States of Guernsey: “We have put special arrangements in place as part of our emergency planning and preparedness. The safety and protection of patients, staff and volunteers will continue to be our priority, but depending on the severity and impact of the storm some of our normal operating procedures may have to change. The best thing people can do to support the emergency services is to stay at home and not put themselves or our emergency responders at risk. If anyone needs urgent medical help they should call 999 in the normal way and the most appropriate response will be arranged.”

The Non-emergency Patient Transfer Service (NEPTS) will only be providing transport for essential patients. Any patients whose journey will need to be rescheduled will be contacted by the NEPTS team.

For the latest information please visit https://www.gov.gg/stormciaran