If there’s more than one person with the patient and an ambulance is on the way, here are a few simple things that can really help our crews reach you quickly and safely:

• Turn on lights – if it’s dark, switch on external and internal lights so your home is easy for us to find

• Secure your pets – keep them in a separate room to allow our crews safe access

• Clear your entrance – move any obstacles, vehicles or bins blocking access

• Signal the ambulance – if you can, have someone outside to guide our crews in

• Unlock doors – make sure front and back doors are unlocked for quick entry

These small steps can make a big difference in an emergency, and don’t forget that the call handler will also provide advice and guidance on how best to prepare.