South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) is asking the public’s support as it prepares for an increase in calls in the build up to Christmas.

December 2024 saw teams handle close to 90,000 calls to 999 – close to a 10 per cent increase on the previous month.

As demand increases throughout this December, busy days are particularly expected after long bank holiday periods, where calls to 999 calls are likely to exceed 3,000.

The Trust will be working hard to respond to the needs of patients while prioritising its response to the most seriously ill and injured patients. People are also urged not to dismiss serious conditions such as chest pain and to call 999 at the onset of symptoms, instead of letting them worsen over the Christmas period.

Callers with less serious conditions will receive advice from a clinician over the phone and may be directed to a more appropriate service.

The public can support SECAmb teams by ensuring they seek early advice on health issues before they become more pressing by speaking to a GP, pharmacist or making use of NHS 111 online or by phone.

Anyone who requires repeat prescriptions should ensure they are ordered and collected on time and ahead of any long bank holiday periods to limit the impact such calls can have on both 111 and 999 services.

And with flu cases on the rise, the public is being urged to take up take up their opportunity to receive a vaccination and help protect themselves and others this winter. For more information visit: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu-vaccine/

SECAmb Chief Operating Officer, Jen Allan said: “The weeks leading up to Christmas and beyond are always a busy time of year for the ambulance service and we have worked hard to prepare.

As demand on our 999 service increases, the public can help us be available for those facing an emergency by ensuring that they make use of alternatives where appropriate.

This might be by speaking to a GP or pharmacist or by contacting NHS 111 either by phone or online. Our NHS 111 teams will also face increased demand but are available 24/7 to offer urgent help and advice.

I would like to thank everyone at SECAmb, including our volunteers, as they spend time away from family and friends responding to the needs of our patients. I am extremely proud of the care they will provide as we prioritise our response to our most seriously ill and injured patients.

For further advice on how to be prepared and stay safer this winter visit: https://www.secamb.nhs.uk/winter-preparedness/