Hoax calls may seem like a harmless bit of fun but they can actually make the difference between life and death.
The importance of 999 calls
It is extremely important that the emergency 999 system is used properly, as people could die as a result of hoaxes and practical jokes. The system is designed to ensure people who are in genuine need of emergency help or treatment get help as quickly as possible. If an ambulance has been called out on a hoax call and then there is a major road accident in the area, this means there is one less unit to help people and this could make the difference between people surviving and dying. Hoax calls are a waste of professional’s time and also cost the health service and private ambulance firms a great deal of money.
What is the punishment for hoax calling?
Police forces are clamping down on hoax calls and recently, stricter measures have been introduced to try and discourage people from making prank 999 calls and ensure those who do make hoax calls are punished for their actions. Hoax calling is actually illegal and now carries a penalty of up to three months in jail. Some figures suggest that more than a third of 999 calls turn out to be pranks and in some areas emergency services are witnessing an increase in hoax calls, particularly amongst teenagers. Police and schools are teaming up to try and teach children about the potential dangers associated with hoax calling and try to discourage them from prank calling 999.
Accidental 999 calls
Some people may innocently call 999 without realising it; you may accidently dial the number when your phone is in your bag or your toddler might accidently dial 999 if they are playing with the phone without you realising. This is not a criminal offence but it can cause confusion for the emergency services so stay on the line and explain to the operator that you have dialled the number by mistake. If you do not explain this to the operator, help may still be sent out to you and this will be a waste of time and money.
