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South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust is experiencing extreme pressures

1 June 2021

 A South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said: “Over the weekend we experienced extreme pressures on our service. 

“Whilst this pressure has eased slightly over Bank Holiday Monday, we are still very busy. We are encouraging people to choose well and only dial 999 in a life-threatening emergency and our hardworking ambulance crews, control room staff and volunteers will continue to prioritise anyone who is critically ill.

“If you have a non-life-threatening but urgent medical problem, please call NHS 111 who can advise you on the most appropriate place for care and also call an ambulance if necessary.”

30 May 2021

A South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said: “If you have a non-life-threatening but urgent medical problem, please call NHS 111 who can advise you on the most appropriate place for care and also call an ambulance if necessary.

“Our hardworking ambulance crews, control room staff and volunteers will continue to prioritise anyone who is critically ill and ask that you help us help you by only calling 999 in a life threatening emergency.” 

Notes to editors

  • A life-threatening medical emergency is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk. We are encouraging people in the South West to seek help from the most appropriate service. If you have a non-life-threatening but urgent medical problem, please think 111 first – for example, fractured small bones, sprains, or minor burns.

  • The service responded to an average of 2,913 incidents a day last week, compared with 2,816 incidents a day between 12 April and 16 May.

  • Yesterday [Saturday 29th May] activity was at nearly 3,200 incidents, the highest level of activity in 2021 and we are expecting to see similar numbers today [Sunday 30th May].

  • For comparison, the Trust normally deals with around 2,650 emergency incidents a day. 

    South Western Ambulance Charity logo

    South Western Ambulance Charity

    The South Western Ambulance Charity, founded in 1995, uses gifted monies to benefit those in our communities who use our service and to improve the welfare of the staff and volunteers of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. 

    Our charitable support covers Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire including Bristol and Swindon.

    If you would like to show your appreciation for the care that you or your loved one has received from us in the form of a charitable donation please visit our online giving website: Donate to South Western Ambulance Charity | Give as you Live Donate