SOUTH Western Ambulance Service (SWASFT) has declared a major incident due to “unprecedented sustained demand”.

The major incident was declared by the emergency service on Tuesday as a consequence of recording 3,511 incidents on Monday. The service also said that it receives a call every 25 seconds.

Will Warrender, chief executive of SWASFT, said: “We are currently experiencing unprecedented and sustained demand on our 999 service.

“If you need an emergency ambulance because you are seriously injured or unwell, and you believe your life is at risk, call us on 999.

“So we can continue to help those with the most serious conditions, we need everyone’s help – please do not call us for non-life threatening emergencies. Alternative services are available, including 111 who can be contacted by phone or online for medical assistance and advice.

“Our teams are working incredibly hard day and night to be there for those who need us, but we need everyone’s help to enable us to reach patients who need our help as quickly as possible.”

There were nearly 3,300 incidents a day, approximately 140 an hour, recorded over the weekend. The number of incidents is up 15 per cent on the same time last year and more than 26 per cent higher than the same time two years ago.

High visitor numbers in the region and the warm weather has been cited by the service as primary causes.

The service was assisted by the military in August to combat demand. This partnership ended on August 31.