South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) has seen an increase in 999 calls being made recently and want to make sure calls are made for the right reason.

The trust says it is committed to delivering the right care in the right place at the right time.

But a spokesman said: “However, not all of the calls we receive warrant an ambulance response and the ambulance service should only be used for emergency situations.

“Examples include; choking, chest pain, stroke, serious blood loss and unconsciousness.

“Using the ambulance service only to tend the critically ill and injured helps ensure a quick response to those in genuine need.

“There are a wide variety of healthcare services available for a range of conditions and it is important that people choose well, especially during periods when demand for the ambulance service is high.”

Alternative healthcare options for less serious conditions include; visiting a minor injury unit (MIU) or NHS walk-in centre, making an appointment to see the GP (or an out of hours GP for more serious conditions when surgeries are not open), visiting the local pharmacist for advice, or calling NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

If you are unsure which healthcare service best suits your condition visit the Choose Well website at choosewell.org.uk