Ambulance service urges patients to use 999 sensibly

Ambulance Service Urges Patients to use 999 Sensibly and #MakeTheRightCall

North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) is urging people to make the right call this winter in order to free up ambulances for life-threatening emergencies during its busiest time of year.

Common unnecessary calls to 999 include cuts, sprains, vomiting and hangovers, with other recent examples of people calling with minor ailments such as groin pain, aching knees, and a nosebleed. All of which could have been better treated by a trip to a pharmacist, GP, walk-in centre or with self-care at home.

Derek Cartwright, Director of Operations for NWAS, said: “Less than half of our 999 calls are for life-threatening emergencies which means there are many patients that could better care by going elsewhere for treatment.

“Only the most serious 999 calls will receive a fast ambulance response and therefore, those with minor injuries are likely to find it quicker and more convenient to make their own way to hospital or to use alternatives such as pharmacies, GPs, walk-in centres or self-care.”