A&E (Accident and Emergency), 999 or 111?

When to Call 999 - Life-threatening emergencies

Call 999 in a medical emergency. This is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, for example they, or you, could be having a heart attack or stroke, and every second counts.

Medical emergencies can include:

• loss of consciousness
• an acute confused state
• fits that are not stopping
• chest pain
• breathing difficulties
• severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
• severe allergic reactions
• severe burns or scalds

When to Use NHS 111

You should use the NHS 111 service if you urgently need medical help or advice but it's not a life-threatening situation.

Call 111 if:

• you need medical help fast but it's not a 999 emergency
• you think you need to go to A&E or need another NHS urgent care service
• you don't know who to call or you don't have a GP (Doctor) to call
• you need health information or reassurance about what to do next
• NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones

You can also use the NHS 111 online service to help you.