THE region's ambulance service is appealing for people to call 999 wisely during the bank holiday weekend to avoid any unnecessary pressure on the life-saving service.
The Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust is expecting an increase in the number of calls to the service this weekend.
David Williams, deputy director of operations at the trust, said: "We don't want to deter people from calling 999 in a genuine emergency such as a cardiac arrest, breathing difficulties or stroke, and would like to reassure members of the public that we will have additional resources in place to manage the anticipated rise in demand during the busy period.
"All we ask is that people think carefully about whether they really need to call 999 for an emergency ambulance or whether someone else's need could be greater."
For many ailments a local pharmacist can provide advice on illnesses and the medicines needed you need to treat them at home.
People can also get help at an NHS walk-in centre or minor injuries unit which are usually open early morning until late at night, or they can ring NHS 111, the new urgent care helpline which is available 24 hours a day.
The Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust is expecting an increase in the number of calls to the service this weekend.
David Williams, deputy director of operations at the trust, said: "We don't want to deter people from calling 999 in a genuine emergency such as a cardiac arrest, breathing difficulties or stroke, and would like to reassure members of the public that we will have additional resources in place to manage the anticipated rise in demand during the busy period.
"All we ask is that people think carefully about whether they really need to call 999 for an emergency ambulance or whether someone else's need could be greater."
For many ailments a local pharmacist can provide advice on illnesses and the medicines needed you need to treat them at home.
People can also get help at an NHS walk-in centre or minor injuries unit which are usually open early morning until late at night, or they can ring NHS 111, the new urgent care helpline which is available 24 hours a day.