PEOPLE are being reminded to stock up their medicine cabinet in time for Christmas.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said having essential first aid and medical supplies could spare a 999 call or a trip to Accident and Emergency.

Steve Wheaton, assistant chief ambulance officer, urged people to pick up the essentials while they are out Christmas shopping.

“While you’re out shopping, don’t forget to pick up the essentials to help you get through the Christmas period.

"Make sure you have some plasters and bandages, tissues, painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, cold and flu remedies and a thermometer.

“If you have any supplies currently, check the use-by dates.

"Throw them away if they are out-of-date.

“Now is also the time to sort out any repeat prescriptions. Don’t leave it too late to check.

"There is still time to make an appointment with your doctor.

“At what is already an extremely busy time for the ambulance service you can help avert further calls with some simple pre-planning and, in turn, help us get to the genuine life-threatening cases faster.”