Call 999 or Go to A&E Now If
- Bleeding will not stop, is spurting, or the wound is very large or deep.
- Something is stuck in the wound, or there is loss of feeling or movement near it.
- A burn is very large or deep, is on the face, genitals or bottom, or was caused by a chemical, acid or electricity.
- You think someone may have swallowed, touched or breathed in something harmful, including taking an overdose.
- Someone is unconscious, is not breathing normally, has severe difficulty breathing or has a seizure.
- You or someone else is in immediate danger or cannot stay safe from further harm.
Call 999 now or go to A&E. Do not drive yourself. Ask someone to take you or call an ambulance.
Find Your Nearest A&EIf You Are Unsure How Serious It Is
Call NHS 111 if there is no immediate danger but you are unsure what treatment an injury needs. You can also use NHS 111 online.
For a possible overdose or poisoning, get medical advice immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
While You Wait for Help
- Stay with the person if it is safe for you to do so.
- Follow the call handler's instructions.
- Keep medicine packets, containers or information about what caused the injury to show healthcare professionals.
- Bring any medicines the person normally takes.
- For suspected poisoning, do not cause vomiting or give anything to eat or drink.
Alternative Ways to Contact 999
- British Sign Language users can make a video call through 999 BSL.
- Use 18000 to contact 999 through Relay UK.
Once the Immediate Medical Need Is Being Handled
If this happened through self-harm, an overdose or because you felt unable to keep yourself safe, you deserve support with what led to it as well as care for the injury.