Vital minutes in a life-threatening situation can be lost when ambulance crews are looking for houses in the dark and, when somebody’s life is at risk, minutes can mean the difference between life and death. We are here to remind you why this is so important.

For example, in a sudden cardiac arrest, the likelihood of surviving decreases by 10% with every minute that passes without defibrillation and, thanks to the NHS’ Act FAST campaign, it’s well known that people who have experienced a stroke have a better chance of full recovery the quicker they receive treatment.

To help the ambulance service find you, please check your house number is visible from the road in the dark, switch on outside lights, make sure no bushes or fences are blocking the view and that it is noticeable when cars and vans park outside and, if your house has a name, display the number as well.

Ambulance resources are equipped with sat-nav systems to help them locate properties but if the house number can’t be quickly identified, clinicians spend vital time looking for clues on the street including numbers on neighbouring properties and rubbish bins. It is frustrating for us as we want to get to you as quickly as we can.

Director of Operations Dan Ainsworth says: “Other ways you can help emergency services find you include:

“Ensuring children know how to say their address and how to contact the ambulance service as soon as they can.

“Taking time to see how smartphones can plot exact location coordinates in their map facilities.

“Taking notice of motorway markers, junctions and road signs so that you can explain where you are – don’t rely on the sat-nav only.

“Looking out for small blue driver location signs every 500 metres on motorways and some major A roads. Providing the details written on the sign nearest to the emergency will help crews get to you.

“As always, only dial 999 in the event of a life-threatening emergency.”

(Image taken by Paramedic Matt)