If it's that bad already, I dread to think what the autumn/winter will bring for you guys (and gals) at the sharp end. What on earth goes through someone's mind when they hit 999 because they think they've got swine flu? Maybe a massive (and I mean truly gargantuan) public education programme is needed. Instead of whipping up a frenzy, the papers and rolling news channels could be telling people bluntly that 999 is a number for emergencies only. That unless there are serious underlying health issues, calling an ambulance won't get you taken to hospital. It has to be worth a try, surely?