Characteristics of recruited ‘cases’
| Characteristic | Cases (n=50) |
| Mean age (years) | 57.4 |
| Age range (years) | 18 – 92 |
| Female | 30 (60%) |
| Has a formal carer | 18 (36%) |
| Not the patient making the 999 call | 31 (62%) |
| Clinical problem | |
| Acute infection | 7 |
| Breathing problems | 5 |
| Mental health problems | 5 |
| Abdominal Pain | 4 |
| Falls, faints & funny turns | 4 |
| Sickness/gastroenteritis | 3 |
| Confusion | 3 |
| Other | 3 |
| Chronic pain condition flare-up | 3 |
| Urinary symptoms | 2 |
| End of life / palliative care problem | 2 |
| Chest pain | 2 |
| Musculoskeletal pain | 2 |
| Skin problems | 2 |
| Headaches | 2 |
| Medication problems | 1 |
| Outcome | |
| Transported to hospital | 14 (28%) |
| Treated at scene—no referrals | 13 (26%) |
| Treated at scene—referred to GP | 18 (36%) |
| Treated at scene—referred to community nursing or social care | 4 (8%) |
| Refused further treatment | 1 (2%) |