Ambulance service urges responsible use during festive period

The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is calling on local communities to use its services responsibly this Christmas and New Year, as the organisation braces for one of its busiest times of the year.

The Trust is already facing high demand across its 999 services this winter, a trend seen across other health and care organisations nationwide. 

To ensure emergency resources are available for those most in need, SWASFT is urging the public to follow these steps:

• Call 999 only in life-threatening situations, such as when someone is unconscious, not breathing, or heavily bleeding.
• Avoid calling back for an estimated ambulance arrival time unless the patient’s condition worsens or the help is no longer needed, as ambulances prioritise those in critical need.
• Use other healthcare services like NHS 111 Online, local GPs, pharmacies, Minor Injury Units, or Urgent Treatment Centres for non-life-threatening issues.

Dr Matt Thomas, Executive Medical Director at SWASFT, said: “We hope everyone enjoys the festive season, but we’re urging communities to use our services wisely.

“To be there for those who need us most in a medical emergency, it’s vital we keep our crews available for patients with life-threatening conditions. Please only call 999 for serious injuries or illnesses. For anything else, there are other services available including NHS 111, community pharmacies, local GP practices, as well as Minor Injury Units and Urgent Treatment Centres.

“I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our staff and NHS colleagues working throughout Christmas and New Year period to keep everyone safe and well. If you do need their support, please treat them with kindness – they’re working tirelessly under immense pressure every day.”

The Trust is asking the public to ‘help us to help you’ by making thoughtful decisions when seeking care this festive season. 

For more information, visit NHS 111 Online.