AMBULANCE crews are urging people to take extra care in the icy weather and reminding people only to dial 999 for genuine medical emergencies.
Great Western Ambulance Service (GWAS) has been experiencing particularly high levels of 999 calls in recent days due to the bad weather and Christmas looming.
However despite this, crews from GWAS, St John Ambulance and other agencies are continuing to reach every call, with specialist 4x4 vehicles being used when necessary.
Jonathan Lofthouse, GWAS director of service delivery, said: “Most importantly, I want to thank our staff, volunteers and our partner agencies who are working extremely hard to reach and care for patients wherever and whenever they need us.
“Sunday in particular saw very heavy demands on our service – our control room staff dealt with over 1,150 incoming calls – but I would like to reassure people that we have robust plans in place to continue to cope.”
He urged people to use other services such as NHS Direct, walk-in centres and their GP or pharmacist before dialling 999 if it is not totally necessary.
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