South Western Ambulance Service urges responsible use as demand surges
Winter pressures increase demand across the South West
The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is urging residents of the South West to use its services responsibly after dealing with more than 7,000 incidents across a weekend.
SWASFT's 999 services experienced higher-than-expected demand, attending 3,502 incidents on Saturday 31st October and 3,535 incidents on Sunday 1st November, marking an increase of about 10%.
The increased demand has been attributed to various factors, including seasonal illnesses, colder weather, and delays in patient transfers from ambulances to hospital care.
The service expects the week ahead to be busy due to local firework displays, and has issued advice for the public to ensure responsible use of services.
Advice from SWASFT
Only call 999 for serious or life-threatening emergencies, such as unconsciousness, abnormal breathing, severe bleeding, or serious injuries.
Avoid calling 999 for updates while waiting for an ambulance, as prioritisation is based on clinical need.
Get a flu vaccine if possible to reduce the risk of serious illness.
For non-life-threatening conditions, use NHS 111 online, GP services, or local pharmacies for advice and treatment.
Wayne Darch, Director of Operations at SWASFT, expressed her appreciation for the staff's hard work during this demanding period.
She said: "This weekend was an incredibly demanding time for our service, and I would like to thank our people for working hard to be there for our communities.
“We are prepared for a challenging winter, but we also need the support of our communities to help ensure our crews can reach those who need us most.
"Every 999 call matters, and we want to be there for people experiencing serious illness or injury. However, it is vital that emergency ambulance resources are prioritised for patients whose lives may be at risk.
"Our teams are working incredibly hard, often in very difficult circumstances. Every decision they make is with patient safety and clinical need at its heart. Please remember to treat them with kindness and respect. They are doing their very best to help those who need them."
With firework displays and bonfires expected, SWASFT advises taking extra care to avoid injuries, such as standing a safe distance from fireworks and bonfires and using sparklers responsibly.
For additional advice on staying safe and healthy during the winter season, visit SWASFT's Winter Health Hub.