SOUTH Western Ambulance Service urges people to stay home, stay safe and only call 999 for life threatening emergencies such as chest pain, serious bleeding, breathing difficulties and choking during the snow.

Chief executive Ken Wenman said: "The ambulance service is on major incident standby which means cancellation of all non-urgent patient transport services.

"The focus of our efforts for today will be on reaching patients with life threatening emergencies.

"Staff are doing a magnificent job of reaching patients calling for help, in what can only be described as some of the most treacherous driving conditions ever faced by the service. "The Trust is well prepared for responding to around 1,200 to 1,400 calls every 24 hours.

"However, this doe not necessarily mean an ambulance response as many 999 callers only require routine medical advice or signposting to more appropriate health services.

"Dozens of extra clinicians are working within the busy ambulance control centres in Exeter and Dorset which serve the residents and visitors of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset and Somerset."

Dr Andy Smith, Trust Medical Director said: "As the bad weather continues please do not venture out in your cars.

"It's better to stay home, stay safe.

"If out walking take extra care and ensure that any vulnerable or elderly neighbours are well.

"This is the season of good will so please do help those who cannot help themselves by popping to the local shops for provisions."

Sources of help for non emergencies include - *NHS Choose Well website www.choosewell.org.uk; *NHS Direct on 0845-4647; *Local chemists and pharmacies; *Local GP surgeries.