Emergencies

Do you need emergency medical treatment?

An A&E department (also known as emergency department or casualty) deals with genuine life-threatening emergencies, such as:

  • loss of consciousness
  • acute confused state and fits that are not stopping
  • chest pain
  • breathing difficulties
  • severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
  • severe allergic reactions
  • severe burns or scalds
  • stroke
  • major trauma and accidents such as a road traffic accident

It can be difficult to know when to call an ambulance and when to take your child to the accident and emergency department (A&E).

Call an ambulance if your child:

  • stops breathing
  • is struggling for breath (for example, you may notice them breathing fast, panting, becoming very wheezy, or see the muscles just under their ribcage sucking in when they breathe in)
  • is unconscious or seems unaware of what’s going on
  • has a cut that will not stop bleeding or is gaping open
  • will not wake up
  • has a fit for the first time, even if they seem to recover

Take your child to A&E if they:

  • have a fever and are still sluggish, despite having paracetamol or ibuprofen
  • have severe tummy (abdominal) pain
  • have a leg or arm injury and cannot use the limb
  • have swallowed a poison or tablets

Every year in the UK, thousands of people die or are seriously injured in incidents. Many deaths could be prevented if first aid was given before emergency services arrive.

Read NHS First Aid advice for emergency situations including CPR, stroke, choking, burns, heavy bleeding, fractures and more

If you need urgent medical attention, but it’s not life-threatening you can go to your nearest minor injuries unit or urgent treatment centre. They are open at least 12 hours a day (some are open 24 hours a day), every day. They deal with conditions such as:

  • sprains and strains
  • suspected broken limbs
  • minor head injuries
  • cuts and grazes
  • bites and stings
  • minor scalds and burns
  • ear and throat infections
  • skin infections and rashes
  • eye problems
  • coughs and colds
  • high temperature in child and adults
  • stomach pain
  • being sick (vomiting) and diarrhoea
  • emergency contraception

Minor injuries units and urgent treatment centres can deal with many of the everyday children’s ailments and accidents. It can be difficult to know when to take your child to the accident and emergency department (A&E).

Take your child to A&E if they:

  • have a fever and are still sluggish (floppy), despite having paracetamol or ibuprofen
  • have severe tummy (abdominal) pain
  • have a leg or arm injury and cannot use the limb
  • have swallowed a poison or tablets

Call an ambulance if your child:

  • stops breathing
  • is struggling for breath (for example, you may notice them breathing fast, panting, becoming very wheezy, or see the muscles just under their ribcage sucking in when they breathe in)
  • is unconscious or seems unaware of what’s going on
  • has a cut that will not stop bleeding or is gaping open
  • will not wake up
  • has a fit for the first time, even if they seem to recover

The NHS A-Z of health conditions gives advice on how to treat various conditions at home before seeking medical help.

Call NHS 111 or visit NHS111 online for more advice or if you’re not sure what to do

During working hours, contact JS Medical Practice to make an appointment. If you aren’t registered at JS Medical Practice, find your nearest GP

NHS 111 can help if you’re not sure where to go

Call NHS 111 or visit 111 online. They can direct you to the nearest urgent care service, or book an appointment with an out of hours doctor. They can also book an appointment at A&E for you if it is an emergency. This may reduce your wait.

Pharmacies

Non-urgent advice: NHS 111 can help if you’re not sure where to go

Call NHS 111 or visit 111 online. They can direct you to the nearest urgent care service, or book an appointment with an out of hours doctor. They can also book an appointment at A&E for you if it is an emergency. This may reduce your wait.