The Trust says only one in five 999 calls are genuine emergencies

Under the new proposals, the person who takes the call will assess the situation.

Instead of an ambulance, a trained nurse may be sent to the scene, or the patient referred to NHS direct, a minor injuries unit or social services.

Ambulance bosses say the proposals will not mean the closure of stations.

Chief executive Anthony Marsh said: "What it will not mean is the closure of ambulance stations.

"To the contrary, we foresee the number of stations needing to rise with population.

"Ambulance numbers will not be cut.... the changes are not designed to save money, just use it more wisely."

Essex Ambulance Service NHS Trust dealt with nearly 138,000 emergencies in the last year, compared to 72,000 ten years ago.