The East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) has offered advice for the 'wise' use of its service as ambulance crews remain stretched.

Advice has been offered to service users as patients have been waiting up to two days for an ambulance, and 40 hours to be admitted to A & E - reported by Sky News earlier this year.

The team said: "If you have called 111 or 999 and have been advised that you will get a call back, this means the patient's condition isn't immediately life threatening or serious.

"When calling you back, the clinician will assess the patient's condition and offer additional medical advice.

"If we are very busy at the time, and it is appropriate and safe to do so, you will be asked if you can make your own way to a treatment centre. For example, if a relative or friend can take you by car?

"This allows us to send our ambulances to people who need the life-saving equipment and clinical skills on board.

"On behalf of our colleagues who are working tirelessly, thank you for your patience, and for using our emergency service wisely."

Early this year, the team also put out a call for volunteers.

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