Hospital chiefs have urged sufferers to "cease and suppose" earlier than turning up at Ayrshire's packed emergency items.
The NHS has issued the stark name amid plunging efficiency in ready time targets throughout Scotland.
A&E departments recorded their worst ready time figures on file this week, with the lowest-ever proportion of individuals being admitted, transferred or discharged throughout the goal time of 4 hours.
And extra individuals than ever waited longer than 4, eight and 12 hours.
Bosses in Ayrshire admit their companies are below stress as a result of workers absences, excessive demand, delayed discharges and sufferers staying longer in hospital.
Now they're asking the general public to contemplate different care the place potential.
Obtain the Ayrshire Reside app as we speak
The Ayrshire Reside app is on the market to obtain now.
Get all of the native information in your space – plus options, soccer information and the newest on the coronavirus disaster – at your fingertips 24/7.
The free obtain options the newest breaking information and unique tales when you can customise your web page with the sections that matter to you.
The Ayrshire Reside app is on the market to obtain now on iOS and Android.
"Whereas most sufferers coming via our emergency departments (EDs) are unwell and should be there, we all know that some individuals who attend our EDs would obtain extra applicable and faster remedy elsewhere,” mentioned Joanne Edwards, director of acute companies at NHS Ayrshire & Arran.
"So, we're asking members of the general public to cease, suppose, and ask, ‘Is it an emergency?’ Whether it is an emergency, come straight to the emergency division or name 999.
"That approach we will be certain that our emergency departments are there for individuals who want it most – these with critical sicknesses and accidents akin to suspected stroke, coronary heart assault, head accidents, fractures or wounds that want stitches.
"If it’s not an emergency, name NHS24 on 111 and you can be assessed over the phone and referred to the appropriate healthcare skilled.
"Our key message is to let individuals know probably the most applicable time to go to an ED, and what are the obtainable options."
Do not miss the newest Ayrshire headlines – signal as much as our free every day publication right here