Ambulance service shares advice ahead of Easter bank holiday weekend

The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is urging the public to use the right healthcare services during the busy Easter bank holiday weekend, as the region prepares for an influx of residents and tourists.

With warmer weather expected, the emergency services anticipate increased activity, whether people are enjoying outdoor activities, doing DIY at home, visiting family and friends, or exploring the region’s beauty spots. SWASFT reminds everyone to only dial 999 in a life-threatening emergency.

Ahead of the Easter weekend, the following advice has been issued:

• Continue to call 999 in life-threatening emergencies – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.
• Visit NHS 111 Online for non-life-threatening medical help or advice.Make sure you have ordered and collected any repeat prescriptions.Make use of community pharmacies, which can offer advice on minor illnesses and provide medications. Details of pharmacies open during the Easter weekend are available via the Interactive map.

Visitors to the South West are also reminded that their first point of contact for GP care should be their home practice, where they can arrange online, phone, or video consultations. Prescriptions can be sent to a pharmacy of their choice.

Wayne Darch, Deputy Director of Operations at South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: “To make sure that we can be there for everyone that needs us in a medical emergency, we’re asking you to choose the right care service for you this Easter bank holiday weekend. We ask that you only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency, this will ensure we have crews available for patients with the most life-threatening conditions."

He added: “I would also like to say a huge thank you to our people and NHS colleagues who will be working over the Easter weekend to help keep us all safe and well. Should you need their support, please be kind to them, they are working hard under huge pressures currently.”

The ambulance service is also requesting that people do not call 999 back to ask for an estimated arrival time. 

Callbacks should only be made if the patient's condition worsens or they no longer need an ambulance. This will help keep phone lines free for others in need.

Which service should I use?

• Self-care – for minor issues like grazed knees, coughs, and colds.
• Pharmacy – for headaches, upset stomachs, aches, and pains.
• NHS 111 – visit online or call NHS 111 for advice and support, available 24/7.
• GP – for symptoms that won’t go away.
• Minor injuries unit – for non-life-threatening injuries such as sprains, fractures, and burns.
• 999 – for life-threatening emergencies, including cardiac arrest, loss of consciousness, seizures, chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding, allergic reactions, suspected stroke, and serious head injuries.