It sometimes is easy to forget just how much of an amazing job the emergency services do every day, how much danger they put themselves in to keep us safe and how vital they are when it comes to saving lives, but to think that people are putting others in jeopardy by taunting the fire service with prank calls, is truly shocking.

Hoax calls really could mean the difference between life and death and the rise in hoax calls that services including Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service are facing is extremely worrying. While an emergency service is turning up to an empty street or an emergency that does not exist, someone could be in real danger and in desperate need of their help.

One fake 999 call could mean the death of someone's loved one – how would you feel if someone you loved died because the emergency service was stuck at a call that did not exist all because someone thinks it is funny.

Hoax callers cost the tax payers thousands of pounds and it is money that is simply not there. It is needed for emergencies and to help those who really do need it. The police and ambulance services are also plagued by such calls.

We ask anyone considering making a hoax call to not go through with it. After all, one day it may be you or one of your nearest and dearest who needs the help of the emergency service. So our message is simple - always think before you dial. The emergency services have an important job to do and their time is valuable. Do not waste it.