Ambulance service warning after boy falls in frozen pond (From This Is Wiltshire)

Ambulance service warning after boy falls in frozen pond

4:37pm Friday 10th February 2012 in News

THE Great Western Ambulance Service is urging people to take care in the freezing conditions this weekend after a boy fell into a frozen pond.

The advice from GWAS crews is particularly aimed at motorists – but they are also concerned that people, especially children, will be tempted to play on frozen ponds.

Tim Stockings, GWAS Associate Director for Field Operations, said: “Overnight snow on Thursday in some parts of our region has caused minimal disruption.

"However, the combination of the snow turning wetter with falling temperatures going into the weekend could lead to very icy roads, particularly overnight and early morning.

“Therefore, if you are driving over the weekend, please be aware that road conditions could be very hazardous and so take extra care – ideally leaving your journey until conditions improve, but also allowing extra time and slowing down.”

Ambulance crews are also warning of the dangers of ponds and other water covered by thin ice.

One incident in Swindon from last weekend highlights the potential for tragedy.

GWAS received a 999 call just before 5pm on Saturday (4 February) reporting a young boy had been playing on a frozen pond and gone through the ice.

A paramedic in a rapid-response vehicle was on scene within five minutes, backed up by an ambulance crew three minutes later. T hey found the patient was out of the water and had not been fully submerged. Only his hands and legs were wet, but he was therefore very cold – so was wrapped in warm blankets before the ambulance crew took him home.

Paramedic Andy Kingsman who was first on scene said: “Fortunately the lad was none the worse for his ordeal.

"However, if he had fallen fully into the water, it would have made it a serious incident. The temperature of the water could have seen him losing consciousness very quickly and we would have been dealing with a life-threatening situation, possibly fatal.

“Therefore, the strong advice is for children – indeed, anybody – not to be tempted to play on frozen water. The ice is very thin so almost certainly unable to withstand the weight of a person.”

GWAS itself has ensured it has prepared for periods of severe weather this winter – as cold snaps lead to increased demands on the 999 service, mainly from people with ongoing medical conditions such as breathing difficulties and chest complaints.

Tim Stockings said: “We remain committed to ensuring everyone who dials 999 receives the medical help they need, wherever and whenever they need it. But with icy conditions clearly forecast, we are urging motorists and others venturing outside to take extra care to reduce the chances of spoiling their weekend by a visit from the ambulance service.”