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Home > Our service > Urgent and emergency care (999) > When to call 999

When to call 999

You should call 999 when someone is seriously ill or injured and you think they could die.

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Emergency Medical Dispatcher

Life-threatening emergencies

Always call 999 in a medical emergency – when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

Examples of genuine emergencies include:

  • cardiac arrest
  • loss of consciousness
  • confused state
  • fits that aren’t stopping
  • chest pain
  • breathing difficulties
  • severe bleeding
  • severe allergic reactions
  • burns and scalds
  • suspected stroke
  • suspected heart attack
  • fall from height
  • serious head injury
  • stabbing
  • shooting
  • serious road traffic incidents

Get information on these conditions and other health concerns from the NHS.

Do not call 999 to check where the ambulance is as we will not provide this information. Only call back if the patient’s condition has worsened.

Non-life-threatening emergencies

If it’s not a life-threatening emergency and you or the person you’re with doesn’t need immediate medical attention, please consider other options before dialling 999.

For example:

  • self care at home
  • visiting 111.nhs.uk
  • calling NHS 111
  • talking to a pharmacist
  • visiting or calling your GP
  • going to your local NHS walk-in centre
  • going to your local urgent care centre or your local minor injuries unit
  • making your own way to your local A&E department (arriving in an ambulance doesn’t mean you’ll be seen any quicker)

Choosing the best service for your needs will ensure the ambulance service is able to respond to the people who need help the most.

Also in this section

  • When to call 999

  • What happens with your call

  • Who will treat you

  • Response times

  • Information for healthcare professionals

  • 999 and pregnancy

  • 999 and COVID-19


Contact us

General enquiries

0345 112 0999 To call general enquiries, click this link or dial 0345 112 0999

These numbers should NOT be used to contact us in an emergency. In an emergency dial 999 immediately or for non-urgent medical advice call NHS 111.

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