A new trial means paramedics in New South Wales can take less serious callers to their local GP, rather than a hospital.

Ambulance services officers have been given new powers on the NSW central coast, as part of a pilot project to reduce the strain on emergency departments.

Minor issues such as toothache or running low on medication will no longer restrict the vital work of emergency hospital treatment.

The trial was among the recommendations of a recent Auditor-General’s report into emergency improvements.

NSW Ambulance Service deputy commissioner Mike Willis has told the ABC that it will allow paramedics to better prioritise cases, and ensure people who call an ambulance get where they need to go the most.

“This trial is designed to take those patients who are not life threatening and have low acuity illnesses direct to their GP where they can be assessed,” Mr Willis said.

“That's not what paramedics are for, that's what taxis are for.

The deputy commissioner says safety remains one of the most important concerns.

“If there's any doubt or any concern the paramedic will revert back and just take the patient to the emergency department,” he said.

“Paramedics handle stressful situations every day, they're well trained to do that.”

General Practice New South Wales spokesperson Lewis Kaplan said while some GPs may see their workloads increased, the scheme frees up services across the broader health system.

“It's actually more important that we have a joined-up response between hospitals and the Ambulance Service, on the central coast particularly aged care, and general practice,” he said.

“That's the piece of the jigsaw that's missing.... better for them to be referred to a general practitioner.

“While he or she may already be busy, it may be the more appropriate level of care for that particular issue.