With an expected 15,000 incidents for the ambulance service in the south west over the Easter break – more than 700 extra – South Western Ambulance Service is staffing up with extra call handlers, paramedics and ambulances. But it is also advising the public to stop and think before dialling 999 for an emergency ambulance and consider alternative treatment options if appropriate.

Ken Wenman, Chief Executive at South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT), said: ’As the first busy holiday weekend in the south west this year, we are predicting record levels of calls to the 999 emergency ambulance service over the Easter break. With extra staff on duty, round the clock, we’re ready but the truth is we have a finite number of ambulances and highly-trained staff available. This means we will, as always, prioritise and focus on those patients with a life-threatening condition.

’We’re committed to delivering the right care, in the right place, at the right time for the 5.3 million residents plus the 17.5 million visitors we serve in our region.  But over the Easter break we’d like to ask the public to stop and think ‘is this an emergency’ before dialling 999 so we can continue to provide a service that is safe, high quality and effective.’

South Western Ambulance Service is encouraging the public to choose well this weekend when it comes to getting the best treatment for a patient’s symptoms, which will mean less time waiting for treatment as well as freeing the 999 emergency ambulance service and emergency departments in hospitals to deal with the most serious illnesses and injuries.  This might mean self-care, a visit to a pharmacist, a call to NHS 111, or a visit to an urgent care centre or minor injuries unit.  SWASFT has produced some information, available on www.swast.nhs.uk to explain how to choose well.

SWASFT is expecting a peak in 999 emergency ambulance calls on Saturday (March 26) and will have an extra 18 ambulances on duty every day over the Easter break – the highest boost to the service so far this year to meet the demand.