THE ambulance service covering Somerset has experienced its busiest week on record.

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is urging people to use its service sensibly after responding to 999 calls once every 26 seconds over the week up to Sunday (July 18).

SWASFT was called out to 23,068 incidents over the seven day period.

It beat the previous record number of call outs in a week set earlier this month.

Sunday was the busiest day recorded in the trust's history with 3,522 incidents, while Saturday was the third busiest with 3,443 incidents.

The second busiest was New Year’s Day in 2018. Sunday’s figure corresponds to 147 incidents every hour, and more than two incidents per minute.

Last week’s total figure exceeded the previous record of 22,050 incidents during the seven days to July 4.

Incident numbers were 30 per cent higher than those recorded on the equivalent week two years ago.

Ahead of what is expected to be a very busy school summer holiday period in Somerset and across the South West, SWASFT says it must continue to prioritise speaking to and treating the most seriously injured and unwell patients.

To allow it to prioritise patients effectively, the trust is asking everyone who uses its service to do so sensibly.

People should only to call 999 in a genuine, life-threatening emergency, for example:

  • Chest pain / breathing difficulties/heart attack;
  • Stroke;
  • Severe bleeding;
  • Severe allergic reactions;
  • Severe burns or scalds;
  • Serious head injuries;
  • Major trauma such as a road traffic accident or a fall from height.

They should not ring back to ask for an estimated arrival time, and should only call back if the patient’s condition worsens or they no longer need an ambulance.

Ceri Smart, SWASFT assistant director of operations - resource management, said: “Our service is continuing to experience an unprecedented high level of demand, and we have just had two of our three busiest days in our history.

“We are calling on the public to support us in protecting the NHS, so we can continue to save lives. Please help us, to help you, by only calling 999 in a genuine life-threatening emergency, and do not call back for an estimated arrival time. For other medical concerns, do contact NHS 111 for advice and support.

“Our people are working incredibly hard, 24/7, to ensure we are there for the people across the South West who need us most.”

The trust is also encouraging people to look after themselves and others during this period of very warm and dry weather. They are advised to drink plenty of water, limit their exposure to direct sunlight, and check on those who are vulnerable.

Ceri added: “During this period of hot weather, do keep cool, stay hydrated and stay safe. If you’re out and about, please be sensible and look after yourself and those with you.”

People going out on day trips or visiting the region are asked to bring their regular medication, as well as essentials such as sunscreen, antiseptic remedies and paracetamol.