Only dial 999 if you need to, say ambulance staff

On Sunday West Midlands Ambulance Service saw a 14 per cent increase - around 300 extra patients - of incidents compared to what would have been normal for this time of year, with conditions such as respiratory complaints, chest pains, slips, trips and falls haven also risen significantly.

On Friday it was up by ten per cent or over 200 incidents.

Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer Mark Gough said: “Clearly, people who can’t breathe properly or who are potentially having a heart attack are obviously very serious.

“What people often forget is that for some elderly people, slipping and breaking something like a hip can also be life threatening.”

He said the increase in calls makes it even more important for people to use the NHS wisely, adding: “Not only is the ambulance service very busy, all of the acute hospitals are too.

“I would urge people to make sure, if appropriate, that they use all of the many other parts of the NHS before calling 999 or going to an accident and emergency department.”

He is advising people to keep their medicine cabinets well stocked with common remedies for coughs, colds and headaches, and items such as sticking plasters and to think about whether they can access the appropriate treatment at their local pharmacist, walk-in health centre, NHS Direct or from their GP.

Mr Gough said: “The 999 service is for life-threatening conditions and emergencies, such as choking, chest pain, stroke, serious blood loss or a state of unconsciousness.

“Using the ambulance service for its intended purpose increases the chance of a speedy response to those in genuine need. Only use 999 in a real emergency, where you believe life is at risk.”

To access NHS Direct services, call 0845 46 47 or go online.