Theuse andabuseoftheemergency ambulanceservice:some ofthefactors affecting thedecision whethertocall an emergency ambulance

SUMMARY Overa 1-monthperiod allpatients arriving intheaccident andemergency department byambulance following a '999' call were questioned using a standard proforma. They were assessed astowhether their medical condition warranted ambulance transfer. A numberofsocial andpractical points were analyzed toseewhether theywouldidentify any group ofpatients whousedtheemergency service without medical need.Overall 289patients were questioned. Ofthese 178(62%)were considered tohavemedically warranted an ambulance call whereas 111(38%)didnot.A numberoffeatures which were more likely toresult inan unjustified call were identified. Thesewouldsuggest thatbasic knowledge offirst aidbythepublic ispoor andshould beimproved.