AMBULANCE bosses are appealing for people across Furness to use 999 services sensibly over the bank holiday weekend.

It is hoped the move will ensure ambulance crews are free to respond to life threatening emergencies such as cardiac arrests, breathing problems and strokes when they occur.

The plea, from the North West Ambulance Service, comes after residents last year requested an emergency response for a blister, an uncomfortable contact lens, a finger trapped in a door and a bent toe.

RELATED ARTICLE: Barrow woman plagued 999 operator with calls

Ged Blezard, interim director of operations at NWAS explained there was always a spike in the number of calls during the August bank holiday.

"Quite rightly bank holidays are a time of celebration and great fun as people unwind and enjoy their time away from work.

"Although we want everyone to enjoy themselves we urge them to do so responsibly.

"If it’s not an emergency don’t call 999, please think of how you can help yourself and others or even better avoid the injury or illness in the first place."

Anyone with a minor or non-life threatening illness or injury is asked to seek advice from their pharmacist, dial the NHS 111 line or attend hospital accident and emergency departments for more serious issues.

READ MORE: 'Fire of bees' in Barrow leads to 999 call from concerned member of the public