AUDIO: Man swore at ambulance staff trying to help medical emergency 15 times in four minutes

The majority of people calling 999 know that it’s a vital lifeline and not to be misused – but sadly, many still feel it’s acceptable to turn to 999 at the wrong time or mistreat the call handlers helping them.

In fact, verbal abuse is sad reality for East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) staff – and one of these calls has been released today to highlight what they go through when they pick up an emergency call.

In this case, the caller swore at a call handler 15 times in four minutes. He had called about a genuine medical emergency, but directed extremely offensive language at the call handler whilst she tried to establish the exact location of the emergency.

Gary Morgan, Regional Head of Emergency Operations Centres, said: “People often call us in times of distress and deep despair, but that is no excuse for the kind of language we receive from some callers. It is very important that callers listen to the questions they are being asked and answer them clearly, so that we can help them as quickly as possible.”