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Associated Press - February 7, 2010 11:45 AM ET
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) - A man in suburban Syracuse called for an ambulance 140 times last year - and he wasn't even sick.
Ambulance company officials say he was 1 of a number of patients who phone regularly even though they don't need treatment.
Sometimes the people are just looking for companionship. Other times they need a ride.
Often they have a minor ailment that doesn't require immediate attention, but call anyway so they can be seen in an emergency room.
American Ambulance Association President James Finger says the problem exists throughout the country, and costs health care companies and taxpayers millions of dollars.
State law requires ambulance crews to transport anyone who says they need to go to the hospital, even if they don't appear to be ill.
Information from: The Post-Standard, http://www.syracuse.com
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