The ambulance service has revealed it received a record number of 999 calls in 2021, as it urges people not to call unless it is a serious emergency.

Between 8pm on New Year’s Eve and 3am on New Year’s Day, South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) answered 985, 999 calls – a slight increase on 2019 and a more than 20% increase on the same period last year.

In the last 12 months SECAmb says it has managed record 999 call demand.

And now the service is asking the public for its continued support, urging people to make use of alternatives to calling 999 if they are not facing a serious or life-threatening emergency. These include calling 111 or visiting NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk for urgent health advice or if unsure of where they should seek help.

SECAmb chief executive officer, Philip Astle, said: “The past 12 months have been extremely challenging for everyone at SECAmb and I would like to thank each and every member of staff for their dedication in serving the public.

“I would also like to pay tribute to our volunteers, whose support throughout the last year has been immense.

"My thanks also go to our colleagues across the NHS and to those in our partner organisations for their continued teamwork and assistance.

“I ask the public for their continued support and urge them to make the right choices over the winter weeks during which we expect to remain busy.

"I know our teams will, as ever, rise to the challenge, but people can play their part by making use of the alternatives to 999, including NHS 111 for urgent health advice or speaking to a GP or pharmacist. By making the right choices, people can reduce pressure on 999 and the wider NHS."