People in Auckland and Waikato may experience delays while waiting for an ambulance today as St John experiences an increase in demand, coupled with an increase in staff-related illness.
St John's deputy chief executive - clinical services Damian Tomic said anyone experiencing an emergency should still dial 111.
However, "if your call is not immediately life-threatening, you may experience a delay or may be asked to self-transport to the hospital or a medical clinic if it is considered safe for you to do so", he said.
For all non-emergencies, St John is asking people to consider contacting their GP, Healthline, Plunketline or pharmacy.
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