THE ambulance service said it is under “extreme pressure” as it prepares for a busy weekend in the blistering heat.

With temperatures expected to soar over the weekend, South Western Ambulance Service has urged people to only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.

A spokesperson said: “As a result of a sustained demand on our service, our resource escalation action plan (REAP) is at level four – which represents ‘extreme pressure’.

“This level allows us to reallocate resources on the road and in our control rooms and to reprioritise our operational efforts to ensure we provide the best care possible to the communities we serve.

“The public can support us by only calling 999 in the event of a life-threatening emergency and by taking steps to keep hydrated and stay out of the sun at the hottest periods of the day.”