Think before dialling

Public Urged to Think Before Dialling 999

West Midlands Ambulance Service is once again appealing to the public to think before dialling ‘999’ for an ambulance.

The service continues to experience an increase in demand and would remind people that the 999 service is for life-threatening conditions and emergencies only. Using the ambulance service for its intended purpose (to tend to the critically ill and injured) increases the chance of a speedy response to those in genuine need.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We continue to urge the public to stop and think very carefully before dialling 999 for an ambulance. Very often we receive 999 calls to patients that could have sought treatment or advice from another area of the NHS, whether that
is NHS Direct, the local pharmacy, a walk-in centre or a call to their GP, who all operate an out-of-hours service.

“If our crews and vehicles are called inappropriately, it could result in delays in getting to patients with genuine life-threatening illness or injury.

 “The ambulance service is working closely with colleagues at hospitals around the region to ensure that patients receive the best treatment, but the public must play their part in the process.  The whole of the NHS is under extreme pressure and the public must be sensible when accessing healthcare, including emergency services.”