THE Bank Holiday weekend may be a time to relax for most but ambulance crews are expecting a busy few days.

Traditionally emergency medics see a rise in the number of calls during public holidays but patients have a number of other ways to get help without dialling 999.

Many health problems can be dealt with by a trip to the chemist or a visit to a walk-in centre and ambulance bosses are urging people to go online to find the best way to treat their ailment.

The NHS Choose Well website is packed with useful advice and information on how best to treat minor health problems and medical services including where people can find their nearest pharmacy.

A West Midland Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “The holiday period is a fantastic opportunity for people to enjoy a well-earned break. It also proves to be a busy time for our crews.

“We are urging the public to make proper use of the ambulance service by calling 999 for genuine medical reasons. Our staff really need to act fast to get to those patients who are suffering a cardiac arrest, stroke, serious bleeding, breathing difficulties and where a life is in danger.

“In situations where an incident is less urgent, it may be more appropriate for the public to consider some alternatives to calling 999, such as visiting the NHS Choices website, contacting NHS 111 or considering a local GP Walk-in Centre, or pharmacist.

“Delaying an ambulance by calling 999 for a minor ailment or injury could put the life of someone else at risk.”