When to call 999 or 111

At some point, most people will either witness or be involved in an accident or experience amedical emergency. Knowing what to do next and who to call can potentially save lives.

Life-threatening emergencies 999

Call 999 in an emergency - when someone is seriously ill or injured and you think their life may be at risk.

Medical emergencies can include: (but are not limited to)

• Loss of consciousness
• an acute confused state
• fits that are not stopping
• persistent, sever chest pain
• breathing difficulties
• server bleeding that cannot be stopped
• server allergic reactions
• server burns or scolds

Call 999 immediatly if you suspect you or someone else is having a heart attack or stroke. Every second counts with these conditions. Aslo call 999 if you think someone has had a major trauma. Major trauma is often the result of a serious road traffic accident, a stabbing, a shooting, a fall from height or a serious head injury.

Non-life threatening emergencies 111

If it is not a life threatening emergency and you or the person you are with does not need immediate medical attention, please consider other options before dialling 999:

• self care at home
• calling NHS111
• talking to a pharmacist
• visiting or calling your GP
• going to a local NHS walk-in-centre
• attending an urgent care centre or minor injuries unit
• making your own way to your local A&E department

Chose the best service for your needs, as this will ensure the ambulance service is able to respond to the people who need help the most