Daily Star Sunday
NORWICH, England — A CALLER dialled 999 — after one of their toenails fell off. Other crazy emergency calls in the run-up to Christmas included someone who wanted paramedics to carry their drunk friend to bed and a parent whose child was having a tantrum.
One person rang 999 after their relationship ended and another wanted a urine sample dropped off at hospital.
A parent complained to the emergency services that their child was being taunted and several people reported sore throats.
The calls were made to the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, which has seen a significant increase in time-wasting calls during the festive season.
Its three 999 centres have experienced a big rise in weekend calls and in the number of inappropriate emergencies reported.
A spokesman said: “A number of factors cause a rise in calls at this time of year.
“Unfortunately, people choose to call 999 when it’s not a life-threatening or serious situation and this impacts on the resources available for real emergencies.
“So please think before dialling 999; it is a lifeline for those who really do need it.”
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