THE South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is urging people across the South West to use its services responsibly, after it responded to over 7,000 incidents across the weekend.

SWASFT experienced a high level of demand across its 999 services, responding to 3,502 incidents on Saturday 31 October and 3,535 incidents on Sunday, November 1. On both days, demand was around 10% higher than expected. With an increased number of 999 calls, seasonal illnesses, colder weather and ongoing delays in transferring patients from ambulances into hospital care all contributing to the high demand. The service is also expecting this week to be busy, as communities from across the region are set to attend firework displays.

The Trust is asking people to follow these key pieces of advice:

• Only call 999 for serious or life-threatening emergencies. This includes situations where someone is unconscious, not breathing normally, seriously injured or experiencing severe bleeding.

• If you are waiting for an ambulance, please avoid calling 999 for an update on its arrival. Ambulances are prioritised according to clinical need, with the most seriously ill and injured patients receiving help first. Please only call back if the patient's condition deteriorates or an ambulance is no longer required.

• Get your flu vaccine if you're able to. A flu vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of becoming seriously unwell.

• Choose the right service for non-life-threatening conditions. NHS 111 online, GP services and local pharmacies can provide advice, assessment and access to appropriate treatment.

Wayne Darch, Director of Operations at SWASFT, said: "This weekend was an incredibly demanding time for our service, and I would like to thank our people for working hard to be there for our communities. “We are prepared for a challenging winter, but we also need the support of our communities to help ensure our crews can reach those who need us most.

"Every 999 call matters, and we want to be there for people experiencing serious illness or injury. However, it is vital that emergency ambulance resources are prioritised for patients whose lives may be at risk.

"Our teams are working incredibly hard, often in very difficult circumstances. Every decision they make is with patient safety and clinical need at its heart. Please remember to treat them with kindness and respect. They are doing their very best to help those who need them." If you’re attending a fireworks display, or gathering around a bonfire, please take extra care to avoid accidents and injuries, by following the below five simple steps:

1. When you're watching a firework display, stand well back from any firework that has been lit, even if it has not gone off, as it could still explode.

2. Don't consume alcohol if you're planning on setting off fireworks.

3. Adults and children should always wear gloves when holding sparklers. Keep a bucket of sand or water handy to put used sparklers in. Make sure sparklers are kept away from faces, clothes, or other people.

4. Stand at a safe distance from a bonfire - at least five metres away - and avoid wearing loose fitting clothing around naked flames.

5. Don't burn aerosols, batteries, tyres, canisters or anything containing foam or paint on bonfires - many produce toxic fumes, and some containers may explode, causing injury.

For more information and advice to stay safe and healthy, visit SWASFT's Winter Health Hub: https://www.swast.nhs.uk/winter-health-hub