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When to Call 999
Key Information
- Emergency Response: Calling 999 does more than get you to hospital — it brings urgent medical help to you.
- Life-Saving Treatment: Highly trained paramedics can begin critical treatment immediately.
- When to Call: Always call 999 in a life-threatening emergency or mental health emergency where someone is seriously ill, injured, or at immediate risk.
- When to Use NHS 111: For urgent health problems that are not immediately life-threatening, contact NHS 111 instead.
Examples of 999 Emergencies
Call 999 immediately for situations such as:
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
- Symptoms of a stroke
- A mental health emergency where someone is at immediate risk
Further Information
For more detailed information on when to call 999, please visit the official NHS website.
Learn more about when to call 999
Last reviewed: 04 October 2025
Next review due: 04 October 2028
Providing NHS Services
Telephone: 01727 853107