This link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7790734.stm demonstrates the sort of calls that the ambulance services receives. Toothaches, broken finger nails and trying to book GP appointments are just a few of the mindless calls. Along with maternataxis and drunks and the fear of litigation if they refuse to handle a call about a runny nose, the service is not in a good state, to say the least. Who can cure it?