Patients in Somerset are being urged to only call 999 when there is a life-threatening or life-changing emergency as ambulance went on strike on Monday.

The walkout by members of the GMB union involved are paramedics, call handlers, emergency care assistants and other workers, reports Abi Kinsella.

Picket lines were put in place across Somerset during the strike described by the union as a campaign to secure a future with safe patient care and fair pay.

Will Warrender, Chief Executive of the Southwestern Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, told the public: “Your continued support has meant we have been able to prioritise those patients most in need of our help.”

He added: “Please be reassured that we are doing all we can to manage winter pressures and the upcoming industrial action, including receiving military support during industrial action days, which will allow our ambulance clinicians to crew more ambulances and reach patients more quickly.”

The ambulance service said in a statement: “On days where there is strike action, people should continue to call 999 if there is a medical or mental health emergency [when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk].

“Ambulances will be able to respond in these situations, but this may only be where there is the most immediate risk to life.

“Where the situation is not life-threatening, people should seek alternative support through NHS 111 online or through calling NHS 111, and where possible, it is advised that members of the public arrange alternative transport if they need to visit a healthcare facility.

“While the NHS remains open to anyone that needs it, there are some things people can do ahead of and during the upcoming industrial action to help ensure services can care for everyone who needs it, including having enough medication in stock, both prescription and self-care.”

The next planned day of strike for ambulance workers will be Friday, February 10.