AMBULANCE crews were stretched to the limit over the festive period, with the service asking for the public not to make unnecessary calls in the coming days.

The South Western Ambulance Service was close to declaring a ‘major incident’ status due to the high number of calls they received over the four-day Christmas holiday.

Between Thursday and Sunday, the service said it received an average of 2,500 calls a day – up by 20 per cent on usual numbers. On Saturday, it received about 3,500 calls from the public.

The increase in demand was thought to be down to the Christmas closures of GP surgeries.

The service said it went on standby to declare a major incident, defined as something which may disrupt services or require special arrangements to be implemented by health staff, on Saturday.

A spokesman said the situation was constantly being monitored.

“We are hopeful now with the reopening of GP practices that we’ll start to see a reduction in calls,” he said.

The ambulance service covers Swindon, Wiltshire, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Bath, North Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and the Isles of Scilly.

The public are being reminded to only call for an ambulance for life-threatening emergencies as another peak period, over the new year, looms for the service.

The spokesman added: “If you are suffering a life-threatening emergency or need urgent medical help then please call.

"However, if not, please think about the other healthcare options available, such as self-care or visiting a pharmacy, or please consider whether your problem could wait until your own GP surgery reopens.

“Please be aware that even if you call 999, unless you are suffering a life-threatening emergency, you may not receive an emergency ambulance.

“Your call will be triaged by an experienced senior clinician and you will be given the most appropriate advice for your condition.”

South Western Ambulance Service has been receiving help from St John Ambulance and the Red Cross as they coped with the Christmas demand.

For updates visit www.swast.nhs.uk