YORKSHIRE Ambulance Service NHS Trust (YAS) is preparing for a busy bank holiday weekend by encouraging people to keep safe so that emergency ambulances are available for those who need them most.

The Trust usually experiences an increase in 999 calls over bank holidays.

For non-emergencies and less serious conditions it urges people to use local pharmacies, NHS 111, minor injuries units, walk-in-centres or urgent care centres and NHS Choices website www.nhs.uk

Paul Mudd, a Divisional Commander at Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said: “More people tend to be out and about socialising with friends and family over the August bank holiday weekend and this can lead to more people becoming ill or suffering injuries and requiring medical attention.

"We often see an increase in alcohol-fuelled incidents too and whilst we don’t want to stop people having a good time, we are asking people to stay safe and look after themselves and others.

“We certainly don’t want to discourage people from calling 999 in a genuine emergency, but we are asking people to consider whether an emergency ambulance is the most appropriate service for their needs.

"Our clinical staff often find themselves responding to patients who have reported a serious condition only to find they have a minor illness or injury which could have been treated by an alternative service.

“We want people to enjoy their bank holiday weekend and keep our ambulance crews for those in a serious or life-threatening condition. Please act responsibly and enjoy a safe weekend.”