AMBULANCE bosses have warned that A&E vehicles may take longer to get to potentially life-threatening calls because of “severe pressure” on the service.

Today (Tuesday, December 16), North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) upgraded its operational status to level 4 for the first time “in years”.

It means that the service is being severely stretched by the demand from members of the public.

Calls to the NEAS by the public are up by almost 10 per cent on last year.

Last Saturday the NEAS took 1,900 calls in just 24 hours.

Amid fresh appeals to only dial 999 in a genuine emergency, the NEAS announced it was:

*Switching patient transport service vehicles into emergency front line services.

*Moving paramedic trainers and other clinical staff working in support services to front line duties.

*Making clinically qualified managers available for front line duties.

Paul Liversidge, NEAS chief operating officer, said: “We are experiencing severe pressures in responding to emergency calls and with additional pressures across the wider NHS network causing delays in ambulance turnaround times at hospitals we have taken the decision to move the service to level 4 to protect our most vulnerable patients.”

Mr Liversidge added: “Most normally healthy people with a winter illness do not need to see their GP, attend A&E and absolutely do not need to call 999.”

The NEAS said members of the public should only ring 999 if they have serious health emergencies including: broken bones, breathing problems, severe chest pains, unconsciousness, suspected stroke and severe blood loss.

All UK ambulance services have six levels of alert. Level 6 would be a potential service failure.

The neighbouring Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) moved up from level 4 to level 5 last Friday after it had the busiest ever weekend for ‘red’ 999 calls - which are calls to the most seriously ill and injured patients.

On Friday (December 12) the YAS responded to 2,152 incidents, including 1,046 ‘red’ calls.

This was surpassed on Saturday (December 13) when there were 1,098 ‘red’ incidents from a total of more than 2,150.

Red incidents accounted for about 50 per cent of all incidents compared to the usual average of about 40 per cent.

On Sunday December 14 there were 2,042 incidents, including 1,001 categorised as ‘red’.

Dr David Macklin, executive director of operations at theYAS, said: “We are currently receiving hundreds of 999 calls every day to patients with breathing difficulties and other serious conditions.

"We really need people to use our emergency service wisely so that we keep ambulances available for those patients who need life-saving help."

He said anyone needing advice and treatment for non-emergencies should consider options such as contacting a local pharmacist or GP surgery, a call to NHS 111 or visit an urgent care centre.

In addition, the NHS Choices website provides helpful information and advice.