More people called 999 for an ambulance this Christmas than last year, with paramedics bracing themselves for an even busier New Year’s Eve.

The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust received 2,717 calls on Wednesday, 40 more than last year, and 300 more than an average day.

Out of these, fewer than half (1,241) of the patients required further treatment at hospital, and only 30 percent of patients were in a life-threatened condition.

The majority of calls (1,124) related to falls and just under 500 were due to chest pains. A further 148 were car crashes and 139 related to assaults.

Rob Ashford, acting director of service delivery, said: “We will continue to be under pressure over the weekend and into next week, with New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day typically being our busiest days of the year.

“We’re urging members of the public to think twice before calling 999 about other options that may be available.

“111 is a very useful resource in case you’re unsure about what to do and want to know what health services are available to you over the break.”