What is a medical emergency?

• Chest pain or tightness (may also be felt in arm, jaw, neck or upper abdomen (tummy))
• Difficulty breathing
• Choking
• Sudden weakness or difficulty talking (this may be a stroke)
• Unresponsiveness, fainting or unconsciousness (not being awake)
• Severe pain
• Severe bleeding or bleeding that won’t stop

Our advice is: 

• If it is an emergency - call 111 and ask for “ambulance”
• If it is not an emergency - see your GP or an after-hours GP
• If you’re not sure - phone Healthline on 0800 611 116 where Registered Nurses will advise you on the assistance you should seek – including whether you need an ambulance or to go to your GP

Find out what happens when you call 111

How to call an ambulance 

When you call 111 our expert call handlers work with you to send the right response.