Emergency services urge public not to misuse 999 before Bonfire Night

Summarised from BBC Cornwall's report · Updated 5 Nov, 22:50 · Archive

Emergency services are asking people to only call 999 for serious or life-threatening incidents as they prepare for busy Bonfire Night.

Emergency services are urging people to only call 999 for serious or life-threatening incidents as they prepare for a busy Bonfire Night. South Western Ambulance Service responded to more than 7,000 incidents over the Halloween weekend, which was 10% higher than expected levels. The service dealt with a mix of calls relating to seasonal illnesses, colder weather and delays in transferring patients from ambulances into hospital care.

Wayne Darch, director of operations at SWASFT, said it was 'vital that emergency ambulance resources are prioritised for patients whose lives may be at risk'. The service said people should call 999 only when someone is unconscious, not breathing normally, seriously injured or experiencing severe bleeding. It asked callers not to ring for updates on ambulance arrival times or to call back if a patient's condition had not deteriorated or an ambulance was no longer required. The fire service has meanwhile advised people to attend organised firework displays rather than using fireworks at home.

Read the report

• Plea over 999 demand ahead of Bonfire NightPeople are urged to only dial 999 for serious or life-threatening emergencies.BBC Cornwall · 5 Nov, 06:07

In this story: South Western Ambulance Service · Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service · Wayne Darch

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