PEOPLE are being reminded to only call 999 or visit A&E in an emergency.

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) and Wye Valley NHS Trust are expecting a busy festive period and urge people to only call 999 if life is in danger.

Last Christmas, people called 999 with a stubbed toe, a headache after a night out and a wart on their finger.

Chris Hughes, a paramedic at the service, said: “When people misuse the service it means our precious time is being taken away from someone who really does need our help. Every non-essential call has the potential to delay a response to a serious emergency, so please think twice before calling 999.”

A 999 emergency ambulance should be called if a person is:

• having a suspected heart attack

• complaining of chest pains

• unconscious

• losing a lot of blood

• having a suspected stroke

• suffering from a deep wound or head injury

• struggling to breathe

For details of local health services visit www.nhs.uk.