Pre-COVID-19, 998 was being called 250-300 times a day. But since then, the number has reached a daily average of 600. The demand for health services has increased as a result of the pandemic, Ahmed Al Hajeri, National Ambulance chief executive, stated.

The National Ambulance UAE are urging the public not to take up vital time with inappropriate emergency calls as it may be potentially putting lives at risk.

A Sharjah resident recently called 998 as his cat was in labour

The National Ambulance staff took the frantic call of a man who spoke little English. He stated “Tom and Jerry” and “baby” and they believed he meant to say his wife was in labour. 2 ambulances and 4 emergency medics were dispatched only to find a cat was giving birth, according to The National.

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The UAE National Ambulance stated some stories of the calls they had

People often called for non-medical related inquiries like the need for eye drops, reports of stray animals, where to buy paracetamol tablets and even unpaid salaries. Many call asking for an ambulance as they don’t have a car or enough money for transportation to go to the hospital.

A woman once called as she was in a state of fatigue but when the liaison officer responded, she went on to say she felt a lot better and no longer needs the ambulance service since hearing his voice. Another called repeatedly claiming she was too fatigued but when the paramedics showed up at her house, she had turned her phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode.

Ahmed Saleh Al-Hajri stated that the time factor in the response to an emergency is critical in saving the patient’s life. Calling for inappropriate requests could seriously hinder their work.