When to call 111 and ask for "ambulance"

You should call 111 and ask for "ambulance" when there is a medical emergency. If it's not an emergency, you should arrange an appointment with your doctor.

If you are unsure, please phone Healthline (0800 611 116). At Healthline, experienced registered nurses will advise you on the assistance you should seek – including whether you need an ambulance or whether you need to go to a doctor.

Medical emergencies are when:

• Someone has difficulty breathing
• Someone has chest pain. This can feel like a 'weight' or a 'squeezing feeling' in your chest
• Someone fainting or being unconscious (when a person is not a awake and talking)
• Someone may have had a stroke. They may have suddenly gone weak, their vision has changed, they are dizzy or have difficulty talking
• Someone has severe pain – anywhere
• Someone has bleeding that won't stop
• There's been a car crash and people are injured.

Examples of non-emergencies are:

• Generally being unwell (unless you have some of the symptons described above)
• Minor injuries like sprains or small cuts (provided they're not bleeding uncontrollably)
• Minor burns (burns that are smaller than twice the size of your hand)
• Coughs or colds
• Minor problems causing pain (such as toothache, arthritis or gout).