A campaign is being launched today urging people in Oxfordshire to use their 999 service properly - because it is a potential lifeline.

During the past year, thousands of people in the county rang the emergency number with complaints ranging from a stubbed toe to cats fighting in a garden.

One caller even asked: "What time is the next train to Bicester?"

Thames Valley Police control room operators in Oxfordshire dealt with 29,938 emergency calls between April and September this year - and more than 20 per cent of those 999 calls were not made in an emergency. A new radio advertising campaign is being launched to remind the public to behave responsibly.

Thames Valley Police assistant chief constable Robert Davies said: "It is hoped that this advert will act as a timely reminder to the public in Oxfordshire in the run-up to the New Year, traditionally an extremely busy time for the emergency services, that the 999 number is for emergencies only.

"It is not an information line, it's a lifeline. Those who misuse it may be putting the life of someone who is in genuine need at risk. One day that someone could be you. "People who should have dialled 999 to contact the police have not done so and we do not want to encourage that.

"We're not saying that people shouldn't use the 999 number, but that they should dial it only in a real emergency."

Oxfordshire County Council Fire Service received more than 20,000 emergency calls this year, about 600 of which were hoaxes.

Oxfordshire Ambulance NHS Trust received 32,272 calls on the 999 number this year.

In 847 cases, the call did not result in anyone requiring hospital treatment. Now the emergency services are saying enough is enough. They have joined forces to launch a major campaign, including advertisements on local radio. The advertisements bearing the message "999 is a lifeline. Use it. Don't abuse it" will hit the airwaves for the first time on Friday and run until the New Year.

Over the Christmas and New Year period alone last year, Thames Valley Police control room operators in Oxfordshire handled 7,621 999 calls.

Oxfordshire County Council Fire Service operators dealt with 2,868 999 calls over the same period, while Oxfordshire Ambulance NHS Trust received 3,181 999 calls.

By launching a 999 awareness campaign in the run-up to the festive season, the emergency services hope only genuine emergency calls come through on the 999 number. Oxfordshire Ambulance NHS Trust chief executive John Nicholls said: "We would not want to deter anyone who requires an ambulance, particularly the elderly, from dialling 999.

"But if we are responding to a 999 call which is not a real emergency we are not avail- able for more serious illnesses and injuries.

"The ambulance service is your service, so use it wisely. Think before you ring 999. Dialling 999 does not guarantee you faster treatment. When people arrive at hospital, they are reassessed anyway.

"It might be more appropriate for you to ring your GP or your pharmacist. If you live in an area with the STD code 01865 or 01295, call NHS Direct for advice on 0845 4647." Oxfordshire County Council chief fire officer Tom Carroll added: "Malicious hoax callers cause us real problems and could put lives at risk.

"Help us to keep you safe this festive season by using the 999 system only in a real emergency."

Story date: Tuesday 14 December

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