AMBULANCE bosses are bracing themselves for what could be one of the busiest weekends on record.

The concerns come after new figures showed that last weekend (June 20-22) was the third busiest for West Midlands Ambulance Service, since the trust was set up in 2006.

Over the three days, paramedics responded to 8,432 incidents - 14.6 per cent more than the previous year.

The ambulance is also concerned that demand has been rising rapidly for more than two months, at a rate that is far above what would have been expected.

Acting Emergency Services Director, Nathan Hudson, said: “Our staff are working incredibly hard to respond to calls with many coming in on their days off to provide additional ambulance crews so that we can deal with the demand.

“However, we want the public to play their part too. We would urge everyone to make sure that they use the most appropriate part of the NHS to access the treatment and advice that they need for their condition.”

Head of Performance, John Wright, said: “When we look at the types of calls that we have received over the last few weeks, we see lots that are less serious.”

Mr Wright urged people to only dial 999 and request an ambulance if a condition was life threatening and to consider other NHS services including a pharmacist, walk-in-centre/minor injuries unit or dialling NHS 111 for advice.