People struggling with headaches, toothaches, and even feelings of loneliness are calling 911 — often several times a day.

This chronic abuse is overwhelming what industry experts call the 911 “safety net” system. It’s also wasting what could add up to billions of dollars every year, paid ultimately through higher taxes and medical fees.

This costly problem has gone unnoticed in the current debate on health care reform.

“Everyone’s talking about the billions of dollars wasted when people misuse the emergency room in hospitals,” said Jerry Johnston, outgoing president of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT). “How about the misuse of emergency services even before they reach the hospital? That’s not been on anyone’s radar.”

Have you been dispatched to phony EMS calls? How do you think the system could be improved?

Article via CNNMoney.

Categories: Case Studies, Columns, EMS
Tags: 911, abuse, EMS