REVEALED: Inappropriate calls made to South Western Ambulance Service
It has launched a 'Make the right call' campaign, urging people to only dial 999 in a genuine emergency
Last updated 15th Dec 2020
The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) has released audio from "inappropriate" emergency calls, highlighting the wrong reasons people dial 999.
LISTEN:
One man told the Service he was concerned about kissing a woman who had herpes:
Meanwhile, a second man called whilst experiencing two ingrowing toe nails:
SWASFT says that other inappropriate calls have been made because:
- A man's central heating wasn't working and he was cold
- A caller was concerned a woman would overheat, because she could not take her coat off
- A woman thought a beanbag was a human being not moving and did not approach to check
ONLY CALL IN AN EMERGENCY
SWASFT is warning people that misusing its 999 service puts lives at risk.
According to the Trust, residents should only call for genuine emergencies, with a major spike in demand expected over the festive period.
It tackled 19,108 incidents last week, 200 per day above average.
A SWASFT spokesperson said:
"Our 999 service should only be used when someone is seriously injured or ill, and their life is at risk.
"Inappropriate calls are a waste of our time, put additional pressure on our limited resources, and may mean we cannot reach those who are most in need of our help.
"Please 'Make the right call' this winter. If you know someone is unconscious, not breathing, or has serious bleeding, 999 is the right number to call.
"But if you call for an ambulance when you don't really need one, you are misusing the 999 service and may well be delaying our emergency care to others".
People unsure about a medical problem should contact NHS 111.