WITH lighter evenings, better weather and four days off for thousands of people across Worcestershire, the region's ambulance service is gearing up for a busy few days.

West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust is better prepared than ever to deal with incidents over the Easter bank holiday. Extra staff will be on duty to ensure that people get a speedy response if they do have a medical emergency or are hurt in an accident.

However, in the spirit of the Scouting movement, West Midlands Ambulance Service would like people to remember one simple message: be prepared.

Anthony Marsh, the trust's chief executive, said: "Make suitable preparations before leaving home. Issues like leaving a note of your route, wearing suitable footwear, packing your rain gear and carrying warm clothing, just in case the weather turns.

"Conversely, if the weather is good, have you taken sun protection with you? Chil-dren and older people especially need to be careful that they don't get sunburnt. You will also need to take water or other non-alcoholic liquids with you to stop yourself getting dehydrated.

"This weekend is traditionally the start of the DIY season with thousands of people starting projects to upgrade their homes. If you are using power tools, have you got suitable protection?

"Each year, we get a steady stream of people who have hurt themselves with tools such as shears as they tidy up the garden, or a splinter of wood goes in their eye as they use a saw.

"People on medication also need to ensure that they have sufficient supplies of their prescriptions over the long bank holiday weekend.

"If you are unlucky enough to become ill or injure yourself, have you thought about where you can get aid and whether there is a more appropriate place for your call to be dealt with?

"The 999 service and accident and emergency department are the emergency arms of the NHS.

"Clearly, if there is an emergency, dial 999 and an ambulance will be sent immediately. However, if it is something that is perhaps less urgent, consider if one of the other arms of the NHS could provide a more appropriate service. There is a tremendous range of support, advice and treatment.

Simple Advice

Follow these simple steps:

* Keep your own medicine cabinet stocked with common remedies for coughs, colds and headaches, as well as items such as sticking plasters for minor wounds.

* Visit your local pharmacy for over-the- counter medicines and advice.

* Call NHS Direct for advice on 0845 46 47 or log on to their website at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk. They can give a wide range of advice and information about many conditions.

* Use a walk-in treatment centre or visit a minor injuries unit.

* Make an appointment with your own GP. There is also an out-of-hours service at the weekend.

* In an emergency, go to your local A&E department or call 999.