An Audit Commission has revealed a massive rise in 999 ambulance calls in West Yorkshire in recent years.

The report shows that calls have risen by 20 per cent in the last five years - to more than 220,000 annually

A West Yorkshire Metropolitan Ambulance Service spokesman confirmed the number of emergency calls from the public and GPs had risen dramatically but added that WYMAS had been the only urban ambulance service to achieve all three patient charter standards in response times.

The figures were recorded by the Commission which today revealed major proposed changes to the way ambulance services deal with 999 calls.

The analysis suggests different ambulance response times could be given for less urgent cases.

The report said not everyone needed a fully equipped ambulance and motorbike paramedics could be trained to treat minor injuries in patients' own homes.

Geoffrey Rendle, who helped carry out the study said: "Everyone should be able to seek help and advice from a 999 call, but not every case needs an ambulance.

"Sometimes it's just a case of talking to someone you trust, and finding what help is most appropriate.

"What we are saying is that in certain cases perhaps a car or a motorbike could be sent round, with the necessary medical help."

He said alternative measures were already under way to help people with urgent health queries through the NHS Direct service due to be set up shortly as a pilot scheme offering advice at the end of the telephone from nurses.

"The number of people turning for help to the ambulance service is increasing all the time," he said.

"Our crews have responded magnificently in responding to these record numbers.

"We have been chosen to set up the NHS Direct service and obviously if a nurse feels a caller needs an ambulance then it will be called - it's one of the ways will be looking at the problem."

Dr Bob Mark, a senior doctor in casualty at Bradford Royal Infirmary, said paramedics should not be overloaded with tasks when their prime role was life support although there was scope for increasing the range of services on offer.

"Certainly some patients arrive at hospital by 999 ambulance when that is inappropriate and that resource could be better used elsewhere," he said.

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