Increase in 'inappropriate' 999 calls

Wed, 17 Aug 2011

There's been an increase in the number of people phoning for an ambulance when there's no medical emergency.

The Isle of Man Ambulance Service is launching a campaign to reduce the number of people wrongly dialling 999.

A leaflet has been produced to teach people who need medical treatment which service they should choose.

It says you should only dial 999 or go to A&E if someone is very ill or badly injured.

Choking, chest pain, black out and blood loss are given as examples of when it's appropriate to call the emergency services.

Chief Ambulance Officer Steve Sieling says they get often inappropriate calls.[Play audio file below]