South Western Ambulance Service have declared a critical incident due to the extreme pressures on their service this weekend.
The service posted a series of tweets detailing the critical situation and are asking people to only dial 999 in a life threatening situations.
Ambulance staff reminded patients to use the 111 service for any non-life threatening urgent medical issues- including suspected broken bones.
The service warned calling an ambulance in a situation that is not life-threatening may result in a longer wait.
In tweets the South Western Ambulance Service said: "If you have a non-life-threatening but urgent medical problem, contact NHS 111. For example, broken or fractured bones, sprains, or burns.
#HelpUsHelpYou
"As a result, some patients may wait longer for an ambulance while others could be advised to access alternative services if their call is not life-threatening.
"We need you to only call 999 in a genuine, life-threatening emergency so we can help those most in need." #Think111 #MakeTheRightCall
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