Caller rang 999 over a lost credit card

AN EMERGENCY operator could hardly contain their disbelief when an irresponsible caller dialled 999 for a lift to London.

The call taken by East Midlands Ambulance service is the latest released in a bid to raise awareness of time wasting calls to the service.

Other absurd calls made during April included people asking for help finding a lost credit card and for help removing a splinter.

But the most ridiculous accolade went to the caller asking for a lift to see ‘ someone special’ in London.

Simon Tomlinson, manager for East Ambulance Service’s general Midlands (EMAS) Emergency Operations Centre, said: “Asking for a lift to London is not the right 999 call, someone in cardiac arrest is.

“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.

“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.”

EMAS said it handles over 2,000 999 calls a day, many from people requiring emergency medical assistance for chest pain, strokes, breathing difficulties and cardiac arrests.

However others abuse the system. In March, irresponsible calls included someone calling 999 because they had dandruff.

While these calls did not receive an ambulance response because they did not have a serious or lifethreatening medical need, when call handlers are on the phone to inappropriate calls, they are not able to help someone in a real emergency.

In April, dozens of inappropriate calls were received, particularly for information which should have been obtained elsewhere including someone who couldn’t find their remote control, someone with a splinter in their finger, and a woman who asked for a plumber as her heating was not working.

Mr Tomlinson, General Manager for our Emergency Operations Centres, reminded people to only dial 999 in the event of a serious emergency and remember the other options available, such as calling NHS 111, contacting their GP or a pharmacist or visit an NHS Walk in Centre.