Ambulance crews are to be stepped up as the 999 service fights a surge in callouts.

More frontline crews and a redeployment of clinically trained staff to caller hotspots are the main measures being introduced by South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Trust (SECAmb) to deal with high levels of demand.

SECAmb receives around half a million 999 calls annually across its region of Sussex, Surrey and Kent.

~Listen:Sue Skelton of SECAmb tells of the recent 999 difficulties>>>

But demand over the last few weeks has been particularly high.

An increase in demand of 15 per cent in December – 10 per cent more than planned for – has forced SECAmb to take action.

The Trust is also asking the general public for help by asking them to question whether they have a genuine reason to make a 999 call.

Director of Operations at SECAmb Sue Harris said: “We always experience a rise in calls at this time of year. We plan for this to ensure we continue to provide a safe and responsive service for our patients.

“However the number of emergency calls for help we’re currently receiving is way above what we’ve planned for.

“We have put plans in place to manage the additional increase in demand and our staff are working hard to meet the challenge.

“The public can also help us by considering whether their call is urgent and requires an immediate medical response. We want people to call us if there is a genuine medical emergency but for more minor complaints we ask the public to consider if another NHS service – such as NHS Direct or a minor injuries unit – would be more appropriate.”

She added: “If you have any doubts about your ability to decide whether or not an ambulance is required, err on the side of caution and call for one.”