Advice from ambulance service as Easter bank holiday approaches

This comes as the region gears up for the start of the holiday season. Residents and tourists in the South West are reminded to only dial 999 in a life-threatening emergency. Bank holiday weekends are typically busy for emergency services, especially when the weather is warm.

The public is advised to continue calling 999 for life-threatening emergencies, visit NHS 111 Online for non-life-threatening medical help or advice and make use of community pharmacies for minor illnesses and medications. Visitors to the South West are reminded that their first point of contact for GP care is their home practice, which can provide online, phone and video consultations. Wayne Darch, deputy director of operations at the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: "To make sure that we can be there for everyone that needs us in a medical emergency, we’re asking you to choose the right care service for you this Easter bank holiday weekend.



"We ask that you only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency, this will ensure we have crews available for patients with the most life-threatening conditions." People are also asked not to call 999 back for an estimated arrival time of an ambulance. They should only call back if the patient’s condition worsens or they no longer need an ambulance.

This helps keep phone lines free for others in need..