Inappropriate 999 calls are putting the ambulance service under strain © PAThere has been a rise in inappropriate calls for ambulances during the summer, according to NHS Wales.
The Welsh Ambulance service didn’t suggest a reason for the rise in calls over the summer period, but said the increased number and inappropriate nature of many of the 999 calls is putting the NHS under more pressure.
"A 999 call should only be made in the event of a serious medical emergency, such as when life is in immediate danger,” said Dr Chris Jones, NHS Wales' medical director.
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Examples from the list of calls released include:
• A woman who said she was bleeding badly from her hand - the ambulance crew discovered she had a minor scratch from her cat• Two separate 999 calls for males with hangovers after a night out – and numerous patients whose hangovers had worn off from the night before and who then reported being in pain
• A man who was taken by ambulance to hospital after complaining of stomach pains in a pub, only to run off when he got to A&E, shouting: "Thanks for the lift mate."
• A woman who dialled 999 after being bitten on the finger by a hamster
• A man who called 999 to rub ointment into his back
“All emergency health services are very busy and patients should only attend emergency departments (A&E) if they are very badly hurt or if they become very seriously ill,” added Dr Jones.
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If you’re unsure if your injury needs an ambulance, check out the NHS website’s Choose Well page to find out the right treatment you require.