THE NORTH West Ambulance Service (NWAS) is urging the public to think before they dial 999 this bank holiday weekend after a woman dialled the number to ask for help tidying her kitchen.

Other bizarre calls revealed by the NWAS include a man whose toe nail had changed colour, a woman who had a cotton bud stuck in her ear and a man who called because he had been bitten on the foot.

During the last bank holiday calls to the service increased by six per cent.

Tony Newsham, who answers emergency calls for the NWAS, said: “A bank holiday is the perfect opportunity to spend time with your family and friends, but for the ambulance service it’s a holiday where we see a large increase in the number of calls to 999.

“We tend to see an increase in calls from people who don’t know where to seek alternative medical care when their GP practice is closed, with conditions such as sore throats and aches and pains.

“These are calls that should not be made to an emergency number and we would like the public to help keep our services free for patients who are seriously ill with life threatening conditions.

“People often think calling 999 will help them get seen quicker – but that isn’t the case. A well-stocked medicine cabinet, a visit to a pharmacist or a call to NHS 111 are often much better options for patients with conditions that aren’t serious.

“It’s vital our services are kept free for the most urgent calls in order for us to prioritise patients with life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks, cardiac arrests, stokes and breathing problems.

“If it’s not an emergency then please think of how you can help yourself and others or, best still, avoid the injury or illness in the first place.”

Tony also issued some top tips on how to stay safe over the bank holiday weekend, which include drinking lots of water, keeping out of the sun and looking out for the elderly and children.