‘When I suffer a sickle cell crisis, the pain can be in my legs, arms, back, and it's excruciating — I need immediate help, an ambulance, and strong doses of painkillers in order to get my symptoms under control. Too often staff aren’t sure how to help, whether that’s the paramedics or nurses and doctors in A&E. The level of understanding ranges around the country and it can be difficult to get the right care.’ Earlier this year, the NHS launched a new campaign to help boost awareness of the signs and symptoms of sickle cell amongst emergency care staff, carers and the public — to help improve the lives of people like Mary. ‘I’m so glad that the NHS has launched this campaign and is proactively teaching staff what it means to have sickle cell, what symptoms and signs to look out for and most importantly, how to help.’ Thank you Mary for sharing what it is like to have sickle cell. Sickle cell is a serious and lifelong health condition, although treatment can help manage many of the symptoms. Symptoms of a sickle cell crisis include (but are not limited to) severe pain, fever, one-sided paralysis, difficulty walking, sudden vision changes and confusion. #SickleCellAwarenessMonth #SickleCell #SickleCellAwareness #NHS