THE NORTH West Ambulance Service is urging people to think before they dial 999 after they received emergency calls from people who had spilt a cup of tea, broken a nail and had a blocked nose.

The service has revealed details of some of the more unusual calls they have received to highlight the amount of times people call 999 unnecessarily.

In addition to receiving distress calls from people who had spilled tea, split a finger nail and had a blocked nose, the North West Ambulance Service were contacted after someone had vomited after a night out, been bitten by a feral cat and had a ring stuck on their finger.

Others called the service with complaints of nosebleeds, aching knees and groin pain.

The service are asking residents to think twice before they call 999 and to consider alternatives for minor illnesses and injuries.

Common unnecessary emergency calls to the ambulance service include cuts, sprains, vomiting and hangovers, which could be treated by pharmacists, GPs, walk-in centres or with self-care at home.

Derek Cartwright, director of operations for the North West Ambulance Service, said: “Less than half of our 999 calls are life-threatening emergencies which means there are many patients that could get better care by going elsewhere for treatment.

“Only the most serious 999 calls will receive a fast ambulance response and therefore those with minor injuries are likely to find it quicker and more convenient to make their own way to hospital or to use alternatives such as pharmacies, GPs, walk-in centres or self-care.”