Is your 999 call really necessary?

We are there for you if you need us, but sometimes there might be another way to summon help.

If you have genuine medical concerns then you should call 999 for an ambulance. Other options you might like to consider include NHS Direct (Tel: 0845 4647), your GP or their out-of-hours service. Pharmacists are also a good source of advice for any queries about your medication or minor ailments. Your local A&E hospital will deal with injuries according to need regardless of whether you arrive by ambulance or other means.

Always call an ambulance if:

• you think the patient's illness or injury is life-threatening
• you think the illness or injury may become worse, or even life-threatening on the way to the hospital
• moving the casualty without skilled people could cause further injury
• the casualty needs the skills or equipment of the ambulance service and its personnel
• traffic conditions cause a delay in getting the person to hospital and time could be critical
• you have any doubts about your ability to decide whether or not an ambulance is required.