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Paramedics faced a busy New Year's Eve as stretched emergency crews continued to battle against "significant pressure".
The South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) answered more than 2,700 calls over the 24-hour period - a rise of almost 200 compared to the same period last year.
This is despite the fact many new year festivities across Kent were cancelled as people were advised to stay at home under Tier 4 restrictions.
Yesterday, the service urged people to follow the guidance and enjoy muted celebrations indoors to spare crews from additional challenges.
Today, SECAmb's chief executive officer, Philip Astle, thanked staff and volunteers for their efforts in an "extremely challenging" year, and the public for its support.
“We know that while the vaccine provides us with a chance to imagine an end to the pandemic, it is clear that right now we must all continue to work together to stop the spread of the virus," Mr Astle continued.
“I am incredibly proud and humbled by the work that I see going on across our region every day. I am often overwhelmed by the determination and the resilience shown by everyone to ensure that we are there for our patients but also for each other.
“2020 has highlighted to me to an even greater extent the commitment, skill and dedication of our staff and volunteers whatever their role at SECAmb. I wish everyone a safe and happy new year.”
SECAmb says it is continuing to experience significant pressure and is working hard to reach everyone who needs help as quickly as possible.
And while the service experienced a busier New Year's Eve than last year, call volume was down in the first few hours of 2021.
A spokesman added: "SECAmb would like to thank the huge majority of people who followed the advice to see in the new year safely at home."
People are urged to continue to help by only calling 999 in the event of a serious or life-threatening emergency and by speaking to their GP or using NHS 111 for less serious concerns. Help is also available online.
