Please use ambulance services responsibly over the festive season.
That’s the message from the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) which runs Dorset’s ambulances.
It’s expecting a busy and challenging time across its 999 services with Boxing Day traditionally the busiest day over the festive break.
The trust is urging people to only call 999 when someone is seriously injured or ill and their life may be at risk.
For example, if someone is unconscious, not breathing or is bleeding heavily.
For non-life-threatening emergencies, appropriate care can be accessed by visiting NHS 111 online, contacting your GP or getting advice from a pharmacy.
Wayne Darch, Deputy Director of Operations at SWASFT, said: “We want everyone to enjoy the festive celebrations, and we’re urging local communities to use our services responsibly, and choose the right care for them.
“We want to be there for everyone that needs us in a medical emergency, to ensure this, we need to have crews available for patients with the most life-threatening conditions.
“Please only call 999 if someone is seriously injured or ill, for anything else, please contact NHS 111.
“I would like to thank our people and NHS colleagues who will be working throughout the Christmas and New Year period to help keep us all safe and well.
“Should you need their support, please be kind to them, they are working hard under huge daily pressures.”
https://www.swast.nhs.uk/welcome
