South Western Ambulance Service asks people to 'be safe' this Christmas
People are being advised to keep elderly relatives safe and only call 999 in emergencies
The South Western Ambulance Service (SWAS) is asking people in our region to prioritise their wellbeing over Christmas.
With the majority of the South West under Tier 2 Coronavirus restrictions, there are concerns high streets and town centres could be crowded with people doing last-minute festive shopping.
As the NHS heads into winter, there are fears a spike in COVID-19 cases could put even more strain on SWAS.
'May be just change your plan at the last moment'
Specialist paramedic at SWAS, Paul Kimberley, told us:
"Think about when you're going around crowds and there's a lot of people around, just spread yourselves out, back off, may be just change your plan at the last moment.
"Just don't go into that crowded area, because the last thing we want to do is have another big spike with Coronavirus".
On Saturday 19 December, the government announced the Christmas 'festive bubble' period was being limited to just one day instead of five. It followed a rise in COVID-19 cases, which is being blamed on a new strain of the virus.
As people now scramble to change their plans, SWAS is urging people not to put loved ones - especially the elderly - at risk.
'Is it worth the risk?'
Paul added: "For the sake of one day, is it worth risking someone's life? You don't know if you are silently carrying COVID-19, so is it worth the risk?
"If you were to pass it on to a granny or a mother and the situation ended up fatal, how would you feel?"
In the week beginning December 7, around 19,000 999 calls were made across the South West. On average, the number is dialled an extra 3,000 times per day during the winter period.
The Service has been running its 'Make the Right Call' campaign, reminding us that non-emergency 999 calls are putting lives at risk.
Paul told us about the alternative healthcare services for residents:
"There's a number of different pathways within the NHS that can help you - you don't have to call 999.
"For example the NHS 111 service, pharmacists and GP's, emergency dentists and even mental health helplines. They are all still available.
"I'm just hoping to look at the screens next week to see the number of calls having dropped".