South West Ambulance Service experiencing “exceptionally high demand”

South West Ambulance Service are urging people to choose the right NHS service for their needs as the region struggles with record breaking temperatures.

The service has also urged registered GoodSam responders, trained volunteers or off-duty medical professional who uses the GoodSAM app to respond to cardiac arrests.

A spokesperson for SWAS said;

“We're currently experiencing exceptionally high demand for our 999 service across the South West

Our people are working incredibly hard to respond to patients who need us most, but we really need your support.

If you need medical help, please choose the right NHS service for your needs. Many conditions can be treated through self-care, your local pharmacy, GP services or NHS 111 online.

Calling 999 for less urgent conditions affects our ability to respond quickly to people facing life-threatening emergencies.”

They have also advised people on how to stay healthy during this period of extreme heat by drinking plenty of water, avoiding the hottest parts of the day and checking in on elderly relatives, neighbours and vulnerable people