THE SOUTH Western Ambulance Service is asking people to only dial 999 in a life-threatening emergency ahead of the bank holiday weekend. 

The NHS trust is also advising the public to use NHS 111 online for non-life-threatening medical help, or to go to pharmacies for advice on minor illnesses and get medication. 

Tourists should contact their home GP first, as they can provide online, telephone and video consultations and send prescriptions to pharmacies of their choice. 

Deputy Director of Operations Wayne Darch said: “Please only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency, this will ensure we have crews available for patients with the most life-threatening conditions. 

“If you need urgent medical help, but not for an emergency, please visit NHS 111 online or a community service such as a minor injury unit or a pharmacy.” 

The ambulance service is also telling people not to call 999 back for an estimated arrival time of an ambulance.  

You should only call back if the patient’s condition worsens, or they no longer need an ambulance.