PEOPLE are being asked to think twice before they dial 999 for an ambulance.

In the last few weeks West Midlands Ambulance Service said it has come under “immense pressure” due to an unexpected increase in emergency calls.

Chief operating officer Rob Ashford said: “Please only call the ambulance service in genuine emergencies and potentially life threatening situations. The service wants people to use a bit of common sense before dialling 999 and to use other health resources if appropriate.

“However, if there is an emergency, dial 999 and an ambulance will be sent immediately. However, if it is something less urgent, consider if one of the other arms of the NHS could provide a more appropriate service.”

Mr Ashford said there seems to be a misconception about what happens if a patient calls for an ambulance.

“Some callers believe that they will be seen more quickly at an A&E department by being brought in by ambulance,” he said. “The reality is that each patient is assessed by hospital staff on arrival and the most serious cases are seen first.

“Coming up to the busiest time of the year for emergency services, West Midlands Ambulance Service and hospitals around the region are already experiencing high demand resulting in A&E departments being under pressure before the festive season gets into full swing.

“The trust is working hard with its colleagues at hospitals around the region to ensure that patients receive the best treatment when they are unfortunate enough to require an emergency response to a genuine medical emergency.”

Non-emergency situations can be dealt with medicines at home, visiting pharmacisits, calling NHS Direct for advice on 0845 4647 or logging on to nhsdirect.nhs.uk Alternatively, arrange to see your doctor or use a walk-in treatment centre.