Spate of emergency calls answered by government office staff

Wednesday, 27 November 2024 11:25

Some 999 calls are being answered by staff in government offices, in what is thought to be down to people using internet search terms on their phone.

The Justice and Home Affairs department says there has been a recent spate of misplaced emergency calls to its admin team.

It thinks that is because people are searching 'ambulance jersey' or 'fire jersey' online, and then pressing the call icon on their mobile phone, which connects to the business listing - an administration number - and not 999.

Staff have answered calls from people who thought they were phoning the Ambulance or Fire Services.

Government says, though the misplaced calls are transferred to the Emergency Services Control Centre which answers 999 calls, valuable time could be lost in an emergency.

"In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the service you require."

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