Selfishness could cost lives

With the many stories that are in the Welsh media on an almost daily basis about people waiting hours for an ambulance to turn up, I find it staggering that it’s reported in the Western Mail today that people seem to think it OK to call 999 because their cat had a cut paw. Or, because they can’t reach the TV remote control. Surely I’m not the only one who thinks this completely absurd and an absolute waste of time and money. I think by now, most of us are aware of the extra pressures on the Welsh NHS at this time year. We’ve already had an exceptionally cold winter, with hospitals across South East Wales struggling to cope with the demand for beds. So time wasters ringing for an ambulance, when it quite clearly isn’t an emergency, does no one any favours, least of all those who GENUINELY need the help of paramedics.

In this season of goodwill to all, perhaps it would be a good idea to be a bit more considerate and only dial 999 in an absolute emergency.