Devon's ambulance service feels strain as number of 999 calls surge

Since lockdown restrictions eased last month South Western Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) has dealt with an extra 300 emergency incidents a day.

Last week it responded to an average of 2,913 incident a day, compared to 2,627 before any of the changes took effect

Over the next few days with a bank holiday weekend and half term it's expecting to be busier than ever.

Residents in Devon are urged to only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency to help paramedics reach those most in need.

It warns inappropriate use puts "unecessary pressure on limited ambulance resources and can delay emergency care to those most in need."

Lead Paramedic Ed Hill said:

"We have attended an increased number of emergency incidents recently, and some of them have involved patients who could have sought alternative help.

During this bank holiday weekend and school half term week, we are expecting our service to be stretched by another rise in patient numbers.

To help us to help you and your loved ones, please ensure you make the right call. Think 111 before dialling 999, and save emergency ambulances for those who need us most.

Also if you decide to make your own way to hospital after calling 999, please remember to call us back to ensure your ambulance is available to someone else."

101 or 999?

People should call 999 for an ambulance in a medical emergency. This is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk. For example: if someone has stopped breathing, is unconscious or has serious bleeding.

People with non-life threatening but urgent medical problems should contact NHS 111. For example, broken or fractured bones, sprains, or burns.