Shoppers were given tips on how to stay safe in an emergency and advice on when to dial 999.

Staff from South Central Ambulance Service set up stalls at the Westgate Centre and at Debenhams in Magdalen Street to promote the service’s Choose Well campaign.

Shoppers were told on Saturday they should always dial 999 if someone was seriously ill or injured, and their life was at risk.

This could include medical emergencies where people are suffering chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe loss of blood or severe allergic reactions.

But the campaign also pointed out that there are times when calling 999 is not appropriate, and suggested that patients needed to think carefully about whether or not an ambulance should be called.

Ambulance staff reminded shoppers that they could make their own way to hospital if it was not a medical emergency, or they could seek treatment at a minor injuries unit.

Neil Beasley, of South Central Ambulance Service emergency operations centre in Bicester, said: “Calling for an ambulance when it is not a medical emergency ties up valuable resources that could be required by another patient who is suffering a medical emergency.”

Patients can also call NHS Direct, a 24-hour nurse-led health advice and information service on 0845 4647.