AS A vital emergency service that provides life-saving care all year round, December 25 will be like any other day for many of our staff.

Staff working as part of our emergency ambulance service, including those taking 999 calls in our emergency operations centre, know the commitment required to work as part of a 24/7 emergency service means working over Christmas, when many will be enjoying the festivities at home with family and friends.

Our teams will also be manning the NHS 111 service, offering advice and help for those who have an urgent healthcare need.

Across the trust, our staff will respond to everything from heart attacks and strokes to alcohol-related illnesses and injuries, and providing advice on common ailments such as indigestion and headaches.

I encourage people to ease the pressure on our busy staff by looking after each other and staying safe to avoid the need to call an ambulance. Do spare a thought for our dedicated staff and only dial 999 in a medical emergency.

A dedicated page on our website contains details of local walk-in centres and minor injury units. You can find the page by clicking on the Choose Well link on yas.nhs.uk

David Whiting, Chief Executive, Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust.