North East Ambulance Service launches winter safety campaign

Campaign to drive Yorkshire coast communities to be ‘winter ready’

North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) has launched a winter safety campaign to drive communities across the Yorkshire coast area to be winter ready.

Ambulance tackling snowy roads in winter. | North East Ambulance Service

placeholder image — Ambulance tackling snowy roads in winter. | North East Ambulance Service

Featuring practical advice from frontline ambulance colleagues, the campaign will focus on some of the region’s biggest seasonal risks, including severe weather, road safety, flu and respiratory health.

The prevention-led campaign will feature real frontline voices, practical videos, public advice and weather-responsive messages that can be shared quickly when conditions change.

The winter campaign will focus on three key themes:

Staying safe on winter roads and preparing for severe weather, including ice, snow and dark nights.

Protecting against flu and other winter illnesses.
Supporting people living with asthma, COPD and other respiratory conditions.

NEAS attended more than 1,000 road traffic incidents between October 2025 and January 2026, with darker nights and severe weather bringing additional risks on the roads.

Nationally, flu vaccination was estimated to have prevented around 104,000 hospital admissions in England, while cold weather and seasonal illnesses can have a greater impact on people living with respiratory conditions. Together, these patients account for around 12% of NEAS 999 calls.

Head of operations, Claire Jobling, said: "Winter can bring additional risks for all of us, from difficult journeys and icy paths to flu and worsening breathing conditions.

"While many of these risks are common, there are simple things we can all do to protect ourselves, our families and our communities.

“The campaign will begin with a focus on road and weather safety before moving into flu vaccination, winter illness prevention and respiratory health.

“We will also be encouraging people to look after vulnerable loved ones, prevent avoidable injuries and access the right NHS service when they need support.

"Our teams are always here for people facing life-threatening emergencies, but many winter incidents can be prevented through a few simple actions.

"Checking your vehicle, getting vaccinated if you are eligible, keeping medicines and inhalers to hand and checking in on someone who may need support could make a real difference.

“Stay well, stay safe and be winter ready."

NEAS will work alongside NHS partners, local authorities and emergency services to share consistent advice and reach as many people as possible.

Simple steps you can take