Can't speak highly enough of the 999 service we get here, North Kent Coast. I've needed an Ambulance twice in the last couple of years, once from falling off a ladder,Ambulance there within 10 minutes, and when I passed out on the stairs due to an undiagnosed (at the time) Kidney Infection, a First Responder was there in minutes and took me to Hospital in his car.
Mrs B has needed an Ambulance 3 times in last 12 months, they've arrived quickly and done the job, no problems.
It seems the OPer has a glass half empty outlook.