Time-wasters add to busy christmas for 999 calls

SPURIOUS REQUESTS FOR AN AMBULANCE INCLUDE FOR A CHIPPED TOOTH

A CHIPPED tooth, the hiccups and constipation were among some of the unnecessary 999 calls made to the ambulance service this Christmas.

North West Ambulance Service say this Christmas has been one of the busiest ever and are urging people to only dial 999 in a medical emergency.

Of the thousands of calls the service received during the Christmas week, many were a waste of call-handlers’ time.

Some of the inappropriate calls made from people in Greater Manchester included: a cracked tooth someone soiling themselves a person who burnt their finger six days previously and claimed it was still swollen

someone complaining of stom- ach ache after swallowing toothpaste the day before

a person with a chipped tooth out of the area in Lancashire

The ambulance service answered 4,111 emergency calls and attended 3,178 incidents on Christmas Day alone.

Bosses at the trust say the figure increased in the following days and are urging the public to only call in the case of real emergencies.

Ged Blezard, director of opera- tions, said: “This Christmas has been one of our busiest ever and there are no indications that activity is going to reduce as we head towards New Year’s Eve – traditionally always our busiest day.

“On December 27, we were astounded to see that our control staff had answered 5,491 emergency calls and we know that not all of these required an emergency ambulance response.

“Unfortunately, there have been some patients who have been waiting longer than we would like but I want to assure the public that we are doing the very best we can to reach people as quickly as possible.

“But if your condition is not urgent, you will wait some time for a response or be given advice on other healthcare options.”

Health bosses warn the sudden cold snap is likely to result in people with heart and lung conditions needing more support.

People are being urged to keep an eye on elderly relatives and to take care on the roads.

Speaking ahead of the busy New Year’s Eve, Ged added: “On this night we see an increase in assault and alcohol-related injuries and these are avoidable if people take some simple steps. They are, eat well, don’t drink to excess and wear warm clothing when out and about.

“No one wants to see in the New Year with a headache and bruises.”