Paramedic UK » 999

Plan for non-urgent health number

Editor — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:17:46 +0000

A new non-emergency NHS number could be introduced across England, it has been announced.

Ofcom has launched a consultation on the 111 number ahead of pilots which are expected to take place next year.

The Department of Health said the number would provide an alternative to 999 in cases where people do not need to go to A&E.

This could include when they need information about out-of-hours GP services and walk-in centres.

The number is not intended to replace NHS Direct, but take the pressure off 999.

Estimates suggest up to half of 999 calls do not need an emergency response.

via BBC NEWS .

Don’t count on 999 if you have a car crash

Editor — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 07:57:39 +0000

He ended up with a busted pelvis, another passenger was knocked unconscious and yet another was trapped inside the car.

It was 2am and he called 999 on his mobile phone, asking for the ambulance service. The manner in which he was treated led him to ask for the transcript between him and the operator.

Read full article: The Sun

RNID commends life saving SMS services

Editor — Tue, 12 May 2009 14:31:53 +0000

Enabling deaf people to contact the emergency services via text could help to save many lives, a charity group has said.

According to the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID), deaf people are at a potentially dangerous disadvantage as they cannot use the traditional 999 service.

Read full article: Velti.

Lancashire services hunting sick hoax caller

Editor — Tue, 05 May 2009 16:50:47 +0000

Emergency crews are hunting for a hoax caller who rang 999 claiming two people were trapped in a Lancashire river.

The sick stunt has been blasted by fire chiefs who claim the individual put real lives at risk by wasting the time of so many from the rescue services.

Read full article: Click Lancashire.

Lonely alcoholic rang 999 for 18 hours

Editor — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:37:52 +0000

A lonely drunk spent 18 hours phoning 999 just to have someone to talk to.

Former Bass brewery secretary Christine Stanley, 62, of Pearl Lane, Vicars Cross, who didn’t drink until 2006 but now averages half a bottle of whiskey a day, has also been told she can only call the Samaritans three times a day.

Stanley pleaded guilty to five charges of misuse of a public communications network, being drunk and disorderly and breaching two conditional discharges.

Sue Gibson, prosecuting, said: “She is an alcoholic known to Cheshire Police and the North West Amublance Service due to the number of calls she has made.

Read full article: Chester Chronicle.