Ambulance bosses have issued a warning ahead of the bank holiday weekend after receiving nearly 700 calls over the same period last year.

South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) is urging people to think twice ahead of calling 999 over the August bank holiday weekend.

It comes after the service received 666 emergency calls in the Southampton and New Forest area over the three-day bank holiday in August 2023.

The service has also attended around 4,000 emergencies in the Southampton area in the past three weeks.

Tracy Redman, assistant director of operations at SCAS, said towns and cities along the south coast are expected to welcome many visitors.

She said: “It is exceptionally busy across the NHS, and we are particularly busy along the south as people head to the coast.

“There are more people out and about, especially on the south coast so there will be more than the resident population in those areas.”

(Image: SCAS)

Urgent treatment centres will be open throughout the weekend and can help patients with small bone fractures or sprains, minor head injuries, stomach pains or vomiting, skin infections and rashes, as well as high temperatures.

Tracy is urging people to “make the right call” this weekend, adding: “Only dial 999 if it is a serious emergency.”

The number of calls SCAS receives depends on the weather, with an increase in calls expected if the sun shines.

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Tracy said: “We do see an increase in calls in the summer holidays.

“Although there is less commuting traffic, there are more people doing activities and visiting places.

“We ask people to take extra care of themselves during this time.”

She added: "With our emergency service under pressure we are asking people to make the right call and only dial 999 if you, or someone you're with, is suffering a very serious or life-threatening emergency that needs immediate help."

"Such emergencies can include someone who is not breathing or unconscious, severe chest pains or symptoms of stroke, serious bleeding, serious burns or severe injuries from a fall or road traffic collision."

Ahead of the three-day weekend, SCAS is also reminding people to collect any prescription medication and stock up on first aid supplies to treat minor illnesses and injuries at home.

A handful of pharmacies across Southampton, Eastleigh and Fareham will remain open across the weekend.

Pharmacists are trained healthcare professionals and can offer advice on a range of illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, ear infections and aches and pains.

NHS 111 is available 24-7 online at 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111.

It is the right choice for people who need urgent medical help when it is not an emergency.