THINK twice before you dial 999 – that’s the appeal from West Midlands Ambulance bosses after a massive increase in calls. Due to spiralling emergency call volumes the service is under “immense pressure” and has put out a plea across the whole of the West Midlands for common sense to prevail.
Last weekend the service received 8,000 blue light calls – an overall increase of 30 per cent on the same time last year. And 999 calls in the region were up 10 per cent on the previous weekend, when call volumes were already extremely high.
The trusts’s chief executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “The number of 999 calls received by the service at present is unprecedented. All staff are working flat out to meet the extraordinary demand, and trying to do their best in very difficult circumstances.
“Staff are tired, and sickness levels are increasing as they themselves become the victim of the norovirus and other stomach bugs that are around. I am urging the public to stop and think very carefully before dialling 999 – is your condition of an emergency nature that requires an immediate 999 response?
“We would ask you to use your common sense and use other health resources as appropriate. Unfortunately, the trust is receiving calls that are not of an emergency nature, with ambulance staff arriving at people’s homes to find out they did not require a blue light response after all.
“This puts emergency ambulances responding to life threatening situations under unnecessary pressure
“Often, the patient could have easily asked a family member or taxi to take them to the health service they need.”
Chief Operating Officer Rob Ashford said that some callers thought that if they went into hospital by ambulance they would be seen quicker at an accident and emergency department, but this was not the case.
Each patient is assessed by hospital staff on arrival and the most serious cases are dealt with first.
“Coming up to the busiest time of the year for emergency services, West Midlands Ambulance Service and hospitals around the region are already experiencing high demand, resulting in accident and emergency departments being under pressure before the festive season gets into full swing.
“The trust is working hard with its colleagues at hospitals around the region to ensure that patients receive the best treatment when they are unfortunate enough to require an emergency response to a genuine medical emergency.”
The trust has issued guidelines on how to avoid calling 999:
l Keep your own medicine cabinet stocked with common remedies for coughs, colds and headaches as well as items such as sticking plasters.
Visit your local pharmacy for over the counter medicines and advice
Call NHS Direct for advice on 0845 46 47 or log onto their website at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Use a ‘walk-in’ treatment centre or visit a minor injuries unit.
Make an appointment with your own GP. There is also an out-of-hours service available
In an emergency go to your local A&E department or call 999 for an ambulance.
