As the school summer holidays begin, South Western Ambulance Service is urging people in Bournemouth and across the region to plan ahead and help protect emergency resources.
The service, which covers Dorset and the wider South West, says summer is one of its busiest times, particularly during warm weather when more people are spending time outdoors or visiting the coast.
With millions of tourists expected over the holiday period, the ambulance service is asking both residents and visitors to take ten simple steps to stay safe and avoid unnecessary pressure on crews.
These include checking tide times, staying out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, staying hydrated, bringing any regular medication on holiday, and learning CPR or how to use a defibrillator.
The service also encourages people to use pharmacies for minor health issues and to visit NHS 111 online rather than calling 999 unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
Nick Reynolds, Head of Ambulance Operations (South Area), said the public’s help is essential to ensure emergency teams are available for the most serious incidents.
He also reminded people not to call 999 to ask when an ambulance will arrive.
The ambulance service covers more than five million residents and supports around 23 million tourist visits each year.