Ambulance managers are warning that unnecessary calls over the busy festive period could delay emergency help for people in real need of help.

Clips of some of the unnecessary calls the service has received have been sent to the paper as part of a Christmas appeal reminding people to only call 999 when someone is seriously ill or injured, and their life is at risk.

Included in the clips is a man who complains that he is 'sweating when using his computer' and a woman who has called 999 because 'her finger nail has come off'.

In total ten shocking clips are included in the montage which the ambulance service says gives examples why people call 999 for all the wrong reasons.

By releasing the clips the service hopes that it will help people to understand that the emergency number should be used for extremely urgent, or life-threatening emergencies.

David Fletcher, Head of SWASFT Clinical Hubs, said: “The 999 service is only to be used for extremely urgent or life-threatening emergencies, and we urge people to use it wisely.

“If you call because someone is unconscious, not breathing, or has serious bleeding, you are making the right call.

“But calling for an ambulance when it is not absolutely necessary puts additional pressure on our limited resources, and may mean we cannot reach those who are most in need.

"During peak periods, like the festive season, every inappropriate call has the potential to put a life at risk and delay a response to a genuine emergency.

“Please think carefully before calling 999 and ask yourself – ‘is it a real emergency?’”

  • For non-emergency incidents: phone NHS 111, see a GP or a pharmacist, or visit an NHS Walk in Centre.