PEOPLE in Worcestershire are once again being urged to think twice before dialling 999 for an ambulance.

The number of people calling an ambulance has increased by five per cent each year, for the last 15 years.

West Midlands Ambulance Service receives more than 2,500 999 calls every day, but only about 10 per cent are genuine life-threatening emergencies.

Now the service has launched its Choose Well campaign to direct patients to the service best suited to their illness or condition, such as self care, a pharmacy or walk-in centre.

Director of nursing Sandy Brown said at times the number of 999 calls to the service was up 50 per cent.

“In these circumstances, it becomes very challenging to get to all of the patients that really need us quickly,” she said.

“There is still a common misconception that if you get taken to hospital by ambulance, you will be seen more quickly. This is untrue.

"All patients are triaged to see how serious their case is when they arrive at A&E.”

The role of West Midlands Ambulance Service is to attend to life-threatening cases such as choking, chest pains, serious blood loss, stroke, or if the patient is unconscious.

For other ailments patients are urged to keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home, visit their local pharmacy, ‘walk-in’ treatment centre or minor injuries unit or make an appointment with their GP Advice is also available from NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or by visiting nhs.uk