Ambulance appeal amid staff shortage crisis
The NIAS has also had to rubbish rumours tents are being used to treat patients.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service has issued an appeal to the public because of "unprecedented pressures".
It is understood that as many as 20 per cent of staff are currently unable to work, with covid-19 self-isolation thought to be the main cause.
Coupled with staffing issues inside emergency departments, this has led to increased waiting times.
So dire is the situation that on Thursday night, the NIAS said even the most urgent of calls will face some delays.
Anyone who can make it to hospital on their own is asked to do so to help free up precious resources, but anyone in a life-threatening condition is urged not to be deterred from ringing 99 for an ambulance.
Some fake news has also been circulating regarding service provision.
Rumours claim that paramedics have been treating patients in tents they have erected outside hospitals.
The ambulance service has taken to Twitter to brand those comments untrue.
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