"But.... it's an emergency"

How many times have you heard that one, only to find there was, in fact, no hazard or serious inconvienence to be found? [Linked Image from darwinawards.com]

Quote

e·mer·gen·cy Pronunciation Key (-mûrjn-s)
n. pl. e·mer·gen·cies
1A serious situation or occurrence
that happens unexpectedly and demands immediate action.
2A condition of urgent need for action or assistance: a state of emergency.

In fielding service calls most of us assess this, but the criterior differs among those who call, as it is an emergency according to thier needs.

So just what is an emergency, what would the proper response be, and how is it best billed out??

[Linked Image from darwinawards.com]