May 5, 2017 11.24 am
This story is over 85 months old
Lost TV remote, splinter and no heating: Inappropriate 999 calls made in last month
Operators dealing with ambulance calls in Lincolnshire and the surrounding areas have in the last month dealt with shockingly inappropriate complaints from a person checking it was Monday to not being able to find the TV remote. A lost credit card, a splinter, and someone who wanted a lift to see his friend in London…
Operators dealing with ambulance calls in Lincolnshire and the surrounding areas have in the last month dealt with shockingly inappropriate complaints from a person checking it was Monday to not being able to find the TV remote.
A lost credit card, a splinter, and someone who wanted a lift to see his friend in London are some of the other inappropriate 999 calls emergency call handlers at East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) have dealt with during April.
Now, the ambulance service are urging people to take a moment to stop and think: ‘Am I making the right 999 call?’
EMAS handle over 2,000 999 calls a day, many from people requiring emergency medical assistance for chest pain, strokes, breathing difficulties and cardiac arrests.
Sadly, some of the 999 calls received are not for emergency situations.
Calls also included:
Man asked for ambulance to give him a lift to London to see his friend
Someone called to check it was Monday
Heating not working and asking for a plumber to be sent out
Splinter in finger
Lost credit card and wanted to speak to her bank
Cannot get doctor’s appointment so can we send an ambulance
Toothache
Wanted to know where the nearest chemist is
No phone credit and wants to be put through to QMC
Cannot find TV remote to switch off TV
Simon Tomlinson, General Manager for our Emergency Operations Centres said: “When you call 999 because someone is unconscious, not breathing, having chest pains or has the symptoms of a stroke, you are making the right call.
“If you require information such as for a plumbing service, local chemist or your bank, you will receive the support you want more quickly if you contact them directly.
“Asking for a lift to London is not the right 999 call, someone in cardiac arrest is.
“Every 999 call is assessed so that the right help is provided to the right people, so you could receive the right treatment for you more quickly by contacting an alternative NHS service particularly if your call is not a serious emergency.”
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
Revamped News Feed: Enjoy faster loading times and smoother scrolling that make catching up on local news a breeze.
New Play Video Feed: Dive into a dynamic video feed that brings local stories to life in a whole new way.
Enhanced In-App Browser: Access external links quickly and efficiently, right from the app, without any distractions.
Update your MyLocal app from your app store (version 2.73) now and start enjoying these great new features today!
P.S.: Start your MyLocal membership today to support MyLocal and The Lincolnite deliver you a better local news experience and honest journalism from across Lincolnshire.
P.P.S.: We have some huge things in the pipeline, stay tuned!
Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
Revamped News Feed: Enjoy faster loading times and smoother scrolling that make catching up on local news a breeze.
New Play Video Feed: Dive into a dynamic video feed that brings local stories to life in a whole new way.
Enhanced In-App Browser: Access external links quickly and efficiently, right from the app, without any distractions.
Update your MyLocal app from your app store (version 2.73) now and start enjoying these great new features today!
P.S.: Start your MyLocal membership today to support MyLocal and The Lincolnite deliver you a better local news experience and honest journalism from across Lincolnshire.
P.P.S.: We have some huge things in the pipeline, stay tuned!