Calls to South Western Ambulance Service surge to New Year's Eve levels

We're being urged to only call 999 in an emergency, as a surge in demand hits the South Western Ambulance Service.

Paramedics were as busy as they would usually be on New Year's Eve on the weekend of the 12th and 13th of September.

They responded to 20,154 incidents last week - including 2,900 incidents a day over the weekend.

SWASFT are asking us to only dial 999 in a medical emergency when someone is seriously injured or ill, of if their life is at risk.

You can contact NHS 111 for less serious, urgent medical issues.

Will Warrender, SWASFT CEO said:

“Our people are working incredibly hard to keep you all safe, as we deal with incredibly high activity levels across the region.

“We have been responding to more than 200 additional incidents a day, which is putting substantial pressure on our resources.

“We are reviewing our resources to ensure we can continue responding to patients safely and effectively.

“We will always be there for the patients who need us, but we must ensure we can speak to and treat those with the most life-threatening injuries and illnesses first.

“Please help us to help you by only calling 999 in a genuine, life threatening emergency to ensure we can continue delivering care for those who need us.”

You should always call 999 if someone has stopped breathing, has severe chest pain, is choking, may be having a stroke, has serious blood loss, or is unconscious.

The main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

If you have any of these symptoms, South Western Ambulance ask you try to get a test as soon as possible and stay at home until you get the result.