AMBULANCE call handlers in Somerset and the rest of the South West are expecting to field more than 10,000 over the Bank Holiday weekend.

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is urging residents and visitors to the region to choose well when it comes to accessing healthcare.

It is already handling an extra 470 incidents per day compared with five years ago and is expecting a busy weekend.

A spokesman said that if you need medical help but it is not an emergency, consider other alternatives and help keep 999 and hospital emergency departments free for those most in need.

A large proportion of the calls the service receives are not for time critical, life threatening emergency situations and so people are being encouraged to think twice before they call.

Alternative healthcare options include visiting your nearest minor injuries unit or choosing over-the-counter remedies available in most high street stores and supermarkets. GP out-of-hours services are also available.

If you are going out for the day, remember to take any regular medications with you and check the weather forecast to ensure you are well prepared for any eventuality.

NHS 111 is also available 24-hours-a-day, 365 days a year, and when patients call 111 they are assessed by trained call-handlers who are supported in their roles by clinicians.

The call handlers and clinicians provide healthcare advice and direct people to the most appropriate service for their needs or, if it is an emergency, an ambulance will be arranged automatically during the call.

Ken Wenman, SWASFT chief executive, said: “The trust has a finite number of resources and we have to prioritise those resources for time critical, life threatening emergencies.

“We know from past experience that the summer season and the influx of visitors can put extra strain on our services, as many people who are visiting the region, and would normally visit their GP, will often dial 999 or visit the nearest emergency department instead.

“We would advise people who need help to think about the alternatives and instead of visiting an emergency department or dialling 999, go online to see which other health services are available locally.

"With more than five million visitors to the region every year it is very important that you choose well.”