999 REACT - Every Minute Counts

REACT is a new initiative aimed at reducing fatalities and serious injuries from road collisions.

This initiative is supported by all 3 emergency services, and is endorsed by the Welsh Assembly, Wrexham County Borough Council and the Community and Safety Partnership of North Wales.

The Partnership's aims are to:

• Save lives
• Improve road safety
• Aid response times

These priority areas have been identified in the Wrexham area by the Highways department and will therefore be the focus for this pilot scheme.

• A534 from Llan Y Pwll link road to Hugmore Lane
• A525 Cross Lanes to Halghton Mill - 2 sections
• A5 Halton roundabout to the county border
• A483 Croesfoel
• A483/A525 Ruthin Road junction
• A539/A528 Erbistock
• A528/B5426 Eyton Crossroads
• Sandy Lane junction, Penley
• A534/B5130 juntions at Holt
• A541 at B&Q roundabout
• B5425 Llay New Road

Using latest map referencing system, street lights and other roadside furniture have been marked with a unique reference number, which identifies the location.

Control Room Operators answering the 999 calls will establish:

• nature of the incident
• number of casualties
• whether casualties are trapped or unable to move from vehicle
• exact location

Exact location can be assured if the callers are directed to the nearest sign, where they can read out the six figure map reference. This will save valuable time in locating the incident and directing the emergency services of Police, Ambulance and Fire and Rescue.

Time is vital - response to road casualties within the first 'golden' hour is essential, so every minute counts.

The pilot scheme will run for an initial period of 12 months. Detailed analysis of incidents will be conducted by the partnership. This initiative will be extended throughout North Wales based on the results of this pilot scheme.