PARAMEDICS in the South West have a launched a '12 Days of Christmas' campaign urging the public to be careful when choosing the emergency services used during the festive period.

The campaign by South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT), which was launched on December 12, has messages from ambulance staff on staying safe, drink driving, appropriate calls to 999 as well as flu advice and reminders about stocking up on medicines.

SWASFT are encouraging these messages to be shared along with #999WinterMessages – and are asking people to retweet them, not only for the ‘12 days of Christmas’ period, but for the rest of the holiday season.

The trust said they are anticipating more than 3,000 incidents a day during peak times over the Christmas holidays, and wants to remind the public to only call the ambulance service in the event of a life-threatening emergency.

For conditions including, cardiac arrest, choking, severe chest pain, suspected stroke, serious blood loss and unconsciousness you should dial 999.

Using the ambulance service in the correct way will help ensure that patients with a time-critical, life threatening condition are reached as soon as possible.

Alternative healthcare options for less serious conditions include, visiting your GP or local pharmacy, visiting a minor injury unit, a NHS walk-in centre or calling NHS 111.

Ken Wenman, Chief Executive for SWASFT, said: “All our staff out on the road and in the clinical hubs work extremely hard to deliver the right care to our patients.

"The winter season is a particularly busy time for the Trust and it is important to reserve 999 services for genuine, time-critical and life threatening situations where emergency care really can mean the difference between life and death.”

The trust is putting on additional staff and resources to help meet the additional demand.

SWASFT’s 12 days of Christmas messages:

• Choose your service wisely – get the right care at the right time – only call 999 for emergencies such as cardiac arrest, stroke, serious bleeding, unconscious or breathing difficulties.

• Stock up your medicines – don’t forget to take your medicines if you’re staying away.

• Flu – Have you had your flu jab? If you get flu visit your pharmacy, rest, keep warm, drink water.

• Norovirus – if you get Norovirus: stay hydrated, take paracetamol, prevent spread by washing hands and stay at home for 2 days.

• Bystander CPR – check if patient breathing, step in and take action, call 999 to help with instructions for chest compressions.

• Stay safe on nights out – plan your journey, stay with your friends.

• Be drink aware - allocate a driver home, and know your limits.

• In appropriate or hoax callers – keep an eye on your children, and your phone during the holidays.

• Child callers – inform your children what to do in an emergency, and to know their address and your condition.

• Help us to help you – stay healthy this winter and check your GP’s opening hours.

• Cold weather advice – check on neighbours and vulnerable people this winter - are they eating properly and have they got their medicines?

• Cook the turkey well – make sure your turkey is defrosted, preferably in the bottom of the fridge, it may take 2 days, and make sure it is cooked properly. More info: nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/cooking-turkey-safely

• FAST – Know how to spot the signs of a stroke – Face, arms, speech and time – Act FAST: stroke.org.uk/what-is-stroke/what-are-the-symptoms-of-stroke