Only call 999 in real emergencies
The Ambulance Service on Teesside say having toothache or your cat being unwell are NOT valid reasons to ring.
Last updated 5th Aug 2021
The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) has warned about a dramatic rise in demand for the 999 emergency service with calls hitting record levels.
It said in the past week it had received 12,706 emergency calls, which was its busiest week ever, up by about 68% on what it would normally expect this time of year.
The recent warm weather on Teesside coincided with a significant increase in 999 calls from the public who have been advised the number should be used for life-threatening emergencies only.
Another possible reason for the explosion in calls is thought to be an increase in people spending more time outdoors as covid-19 related restrictions have been relaxed, while more patients have been calling 999 with respiratory problems.
NEAS, which has instigated its ‘extreme pressure’ action plan to help the service respond in an appropriate and effective way, said that while some calls being received did require clinical help, they were not appropriate for a 999 response, while others were just time-wasting.
Chief executive Helen Ray said: “We have seen demand on our 999 services match or exceed a pre-pandemic New Year’s Eve, which is traditionally our busiest day of the year.
“We are rightly prioritising those patients that are the sickest or most severely injured.
“Everyone who needs an ambulance will get one, but in some cases there are patients who could access the care they need using other options, rather than dialling 999.
“I would also ask that 999 callers only ring back if the patient’s condition worsens, rather than to check what time their ambulance will arrive.
“While we are answering that call it may delay us answering another emergency call such as a cardiac arrest where every second counts.”
Mrs Ray added: “This is a really tough time for ambulance staff and the volunteers we have, who are working flat out, and I’d like to pay tribute to their continued efforts to ensure patients get the care they need. “
The non-emergency 111 telephone service – which is also available online at www.111.nhs.uk – continues to be available for people to use.
It is for those wanting medical help fast, but when it’s not a 999 emergency and when the individual does not have a GP to call.
Call backs from a qualified clinician are available, while assistance can also be given to book appointments in A&E and advice on how to help a patient recover.
Meanwhile, instances in which 999 calls should be made include potentially-life threatening cases such as
A cardiac arrest where the patient is unconscious and not breathing
Signs of a heart attack e.g. a pain like a heavy weight in the centre of your chest
Difficulty breathing
Signs of stroke such as the face drooping on one side or weakness on one side
Heavy bleeding that won’t stop
Seizures
Sudden and rapid swelling of the eyes, lips, throat or tongue
Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham reiterated the message being put out by the ambulance service.
He said: “Whether in normal times or throughout the pandemic, the North East Ambulance Service and everyone involved is working incredibly hard to get medical support to those in need.
“To help them do their job to the best of their abilities, I’m urging everyone to only call the 999 number in emergencies.
“NHS 111 is there to support people in non-emergency situations, and to help them make an informed decision on the care someone might need.”
Ten daft 999 calls received by the North-East Ambulance Service
‘Swallowed a fly’
‘My catheter is blocked’
‘I punched a sofa and now have a sore hand’
‘Have a sore throat and headache and suspect I have covid’
‘Fallen and been to A&E myself, but came home and called 999 because there was a seven hour wait’
‘My nose is blocked’
‘I have food poisoning and want antibiotics’
‘My elbow is bleeding’
‘My cat is unwell’
‘Have a toothpick stuck in the side of my foot, although it’s not bleeding’