CALLERS to emergency services are being urged to stop and think before dialling 999.

West Midlands Ambulance Service is running a campaign to appeal to members of the public to use the ambulance service wisely.

The service is also releasing clips from several 999 calls to show the stark difference between what is an appropriate and inappropriate call.

Jenny Cocks, Emergency Operations Centre Commander at the Brierley Hill base, said: “When you call 999 the questions that we ask are vital for us to be able to get the right help, to the right people, as quickly as possible.

“We receive about 3,000 calls a day but unfortunately not all of these are appropriate for the ambulance service and sometimes people do forget that 999 is for life threatening injuries and illnesses.

“Our call assessors also have to deal with verbal abuse and hoax calls which is disappointing when all they want to do is help people in their hour of need.

“While we’re dealing with these calls there are less call assessors available to deal with that life threatening emergency. Please think before calling 999.”