RESIDENTS in Dorset are being asked to think before dialling 999 this Easter to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the ambulance service.

With an expected 15,000 incidents for the service in the south west over the Easter break – more than 700 extra – South Western Ambulance Service is ‘staffing up’ with extra call handlers, paramedics and vehicles.

But it is also advising the public to stop and think before dialling 999 for an emergency ambulance and consider alternative treatment options if appropriate.

Tomorrow is expected to see a peak in 999 emergency ambulance calls.

Ken Wenman, Chief Executive at South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust said: “As the first busy holiday weekend in the south west this year, we are predicting record levels of calls to the 999 emergency ambulance service.

“With extra staff on duty, round the clock, we’re ready but the truth is we have a finite number of ambulances and staff available. This means we will, as always, prioritise and focus on those patients with a life-threatening condition.”

The service is encouraging the public to ‘choose well’ this weekend when it comes to getting the best treatment for a patient’s symptoms. This might mean self-care, a visit to a pharmacist, a call to NHS 111, or a visit to an urgent care centre or minor injuries unit. SWASFT has produced a handy leaflet, available on its websiteswast.nhs.uk to explain how to choose well. The NHS 111 Service SWASFT operates in Dorset will operate 24/7 over the Easter period.

The ambulance service division that covers Somerset and Dorset has seen 999 ambulance incident volumes rise by three per cent January to March year on year.