Health Emergencies

A medical emergency is a critical or life threatening condition, like a very bad injury, or if someone is unconscious.

Call 999 immediately.

Give the person who answers your name and whereabouts.

Describe the situation quickly and clearly.

Ask what you should do until help arrives.

When to call 999

Any condition on this list requires immediate attention:

• Drug overdose/poisoning
• Heavy blood loss
• Deep wounds such as stab wounds
• Severe breathing difficulties
• Head injury
• Unconsciousness
• Severe chest pain
• Suspected broken bones
• Starting to give birth
• Severe mental distress
• Septicaemic rash (a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass)

Not sure how serious it is? Call NHS Direct and ask the experts.

While you're waiting for help:

DON'T

• Move the person
• Remove crash helmet
• Give anything to eat, drink or smoke
• Leave the person unattended
• Put your own life in danger

DO

• Keep the person warm and quiet
• Stay calm
• Tell the ambulance driver if you know the person took a drug; you can't get in trouble for this

Some injuries can be treated at minor injuries units or by your GP (Doctor). Find your local services.

If someone is unconscious

Call 999, then use the ABC of resuscitation

• A : Airway Position the airway and remove any obvious obstruction (for adults).
• B : Breathing Look to see if they are breathing. If there are no signs, give mouth to mouth ventilation.
• C : Circulation Look and feel for signs of circulation. If there are no signs start chest compression.

If you don't know how, call for help from people around.

If the person is breathing and there are signs of circulation, put them in the recovery position (illustrated below). This helps prevent choking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share your stories

We're looking for your stories. What are your tips for staying fit and healthy? How did you get along when you accessed different kinds of health service? Have you helped deliver health services, raise awareness or educate your peers?

Whatever health stories you have, we'd love to hear them, so email and let us know

Links

These websites will help you find health advice and services:

• NHS Direct
  Health advice and information 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
• Teenage Health Freak
  Teen health worries answered by the teenage health freak, plus Dr Ann's virtual surgery
• Teen Life Check
  How healthy are you? Check with the NHS online lifecheck tool

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