If you had to dial 999 in an emergency for an ambulance do you think they would be able to help you.....?

emphatically YES they can. 2 weeks ago I had to perform CPR on a neighbour who had collapsed myself and my father are both trained first aiders and we ran to help. Although we knew what to do the 999 operator stayed on the line to talk us through the procedure. They were very calm and professional and their help was invaluable and would be even more so to an untrained person. Learn first aid anyway (Should be mandatory) but rest ured there are people on the other end of the phone who can tell you what to do.