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Delwyn Wray, NWAS Greater Manchester Area Director, said: “There was a huge demand for our services in the centre of Manchester – an increase of 103% compared to a usual Wednesday evening – so we are very grateful for the support given by the Red Cross and the role they play in our emergency planning procedures.
Extra support
“When preparing for an event which we believe could greatly increase our activity, the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) often calls upon organisations such as the Red Cross to help us continue to provide a responsive service to the population.
He added: “The volunteers provide invaluable help by answering non-urgent and routine call-outs – such as transferring patients to hospital.
Fast response
In Cheshire, three Red Cross crews worked until 3am helping the local ambuance service.
Laura Scott, emergency response duty manager forCheshire, said: “The Red Cross volunteer crews were fantastic. At 9.50pm I sent out a message asking them to report for duty, and by 10.15pm they had responded, arrived at their base and been deployed. They are an amazing bunch, they just drop everything and give their support.”
Lancashire and Merseyside crews were also put on standby around midnight, with three of the Merseyside ambulances called out just a few hours later.
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