SOUTH West Ambulance Service has blamed “severe pressure” for missing response targets on almost three out of ten of the most urgent calls.

The service achieved the eight-minute response time for 71.68 per cent of such calls compared with a target of 75 per cent.

The shocking figures mean the service is below the national average for response times for so-called red 1 calls, which include cardiac arrest or life-threatening traumatic injuries.

It also missed its 75 per cent target for red 2 calls, including patients with serious breathing difficulties or a suspected stroke.

A spokesperson for the Trust said it is facing an increase in demand for services and said the high number of elderly people in the area and the number of rural, isolated communities make it difficult to meet targets.

“The Trust would like to make an assurance that the provision of high quality emergency and urgent care services remains our top priority” he added.

The figures, which cover the month of October, have just been released.

The service covers the South West of England, including the whole of Dorset.