THE county’s ambulance service has urged people to stay safe as it braced itself for an expected flurry of call-outs over the bank holiday weekend.

South Central Ambulance Service Trust said demand for the service had increased by five per cent over the past year, and that the holiday period usually proved particularly busy.

Bosses urged people to drive safely, protect themselves against the heat and drink responsibly.

Spokesman James Keating-Wilkes said: “With continuing good weather anticipated over the holiday, drivers should be prepared for an increase in the number of vehicles on the roads as families head for popular holiday destinations.

“They should allow extra time for their journeys, take regular breaks and ensure they pack plenty of refreshments, including bottles of water to keep hydrated and alert.”

He said families should also remember to pack prescription medication and wear hats and suncream in the hot weather.

He added: “In very hot weather, close the curtains in rooms that get a lot of sun, and stay inside in the middle of the day into the coolest rooms.”

Mr Keating-Wilkes asked the public only to dial 999 in an emergency, warning if ambulances go minor incidents then they cannot get to people who really need the help.

The service, which covers Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Hampshire, receives about 2,000 emergency calls a day, 300 of which are potentially life-saving.