SWASFT urged to call 999 in 'life-threatening emergencies' only

It comes after ambulance crews across the county have seen an increase for ambulance staff helping more patients.

In response, South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) are encouraging the public to use NHS 111 online for medical advice - and to only call 999 in case of life-threatening emergencies only.

A spokesman from SWASFT said: "Our frontline ambulance crews, 999 and 111 call handlers and the many other teams who ensure we can respond to patients as quickly as possible are working extremely hard as we see increase demand for our services.

"The public can play their part by using 111 online for urgent advice, calling 999 in life threatening cases."

"We are prioritising those patients that are most sick and severely injured and everyone who needs an ambulance will get one. However, there are other and often better options for people to get the care they need."

SWASFT received 24,049 incidents last week - 28 per cent higher than in the same week in 2019 before the pandemic.

For more information, visit: www.swast.nhs.uk

In response, South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) are encouraging the public to use NHS 111 online for medical advice - and to only call 999 in case of life-threatening emergencies only (Image: Newsquest)