Call 999 'for emergencies only' ambulance boss urges

The ambulance service is expecting a "very challenging" winter

An ambulance boss has urged people to dial 999 only if someone is seriously ill or injured amid a predicted increase in pressure over the winter.

The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) said that as flu cases continued to rise, temperatures dropped and ambulance handover delays persisted, the service expected a "very challenging" winter.

SWASFT is also urging people not to ask for estimated arrival times and to consider other care options like NHS 111 online, GPs or pharmacies for non-life-threatening situations.

Deputy director of operations Wayne Darch told BBC News the number of hours ambulances were on call had increased and people "can they be assured that the ambulance service will be there for them".

He added: "We're asking the communities of the South West to help us in order to help them - so only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.

"That includes, for example, people who are unconscious, not breathing or bleeding heavily."

He also asked people not to call back to allow 999 handlers to be available to answer other calls.

"We know this winter will be very challenging which is why we’re urging communities to use our services responsibly and choose the right care," he said.

"Please, only call 999 if someone is seriously ill or injured. For anything else, contact NHS 111."