Serious or Life-Threatening Emergency

In A&E, people with serious or life-threatening emergencies are prioritised for treatment and you should call 999 if you have any of the following:

  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Unconscious/difficulty rousing
  • Signs of stroke (Face Arm Speech Time)
  • Fitting over 5 minutes
  • Seriously ill child/floppy/difficulty rousing/non blanching rash
  • Severe bleeding
  • Spinal injury
  • Severe allergic reaction (lips/tongue swelling)
  • Severe abdominal pain

You should not go to A&E unless you or someone you care for is having a serious or life-threatening emergency.