AMBULANCE service chiefs have moved to reassure the public paramedics will continue to respond to incidents where this is a threat to life on Wednesday, despite strike action.

Members of the GMB have indicated they will undertake strike action from 00.01 to 11.59pm on Wednesday January 11.

West Midlands Ambulance Service has stated that it respects the right of trade union members to take such action or demonstrate their support of the strike and a spokesperson for the service stressed the action is being taken as part of a national pay dispute with the government.

Emergency services operations delivery director, Nathan Hudson, said: “We have had productive discussions with our staffside colleagues to agree that ambulances will respond to the most urgent calls.

READ MORE: Campaigners to fight plan for 650 homes on old Ketley Quarry

READ MORE: Motorcyclist and child collide in crash in Amblecote

These are defined as cardiac arrests and where a crew request immediate back up at the scene of a case, and other life-threatening cases such as heart attacks, strokes, difficulty in breathing and maternity cases.

Mr Hudson added: “In addition, staff in our non-emergency patient transport service will continue to convey vulnerable groups such as patients undertaking renal dialysis, cancer treatments, palliative care, emergency scans within the strike period timeframe.

“Only call 999 if critically unwell or there is risk to life. Ambulances will be dispatched where clinically appropriate. “If you need medical help or advice, go to NHS 111 online, your local GP or pharmacy.”