If it is not a life-threatening emergency and you, or the person you are with, do not need immediate medical attention, there are a range of options you can use which don’t require calling 999.
Self care
Look after yourself or the patient at home. Many minor illnesses and injuries can be treated in your home by using over-the-counter medicine and getting plenty of rest. Be prepared for common ailments by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home. The following list, recommended by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, will help you deal with most minor illnesses and injuries:
- Pain relief – paracetamol, ibuprofen.
- Decongestants
- Indigestion treatment
- Antihistamines
- Anti-diarrhoea tablets
- Oral rehydration salts
- Sun cream – at least factor 15
- Bandages
- Plasters
- Eyewash solution
- Thermometer
- Sterile dressings
- Tweezers
- Antiseptic
If you cannot stay at home, see if family or friends are able to help.
Think pharmacy first
Talk to your local pharmacist about minor conditions and injuries for advice. Pharmacists can also treat and provide medicines for these seven common conditions across various age ranges aiming to address health issues before they get worse:
- Ear ache (1-17 years)
- Impetigo (1 year and over)
- Infected insect bites (1 year and over)
- Shingles (18 years and over)
- Sinusitis (12 years and over)
- Sore throat (5 years and over)
- Urinary tract infections (women 16 – 64 years)
NHS 111
Call or visit NHS 111 online to get medical help for your symptoms, particularly if you cannot contact your GP during the day, or when your GP is closed (out-of-hours).
Contact your GP
GP surgeries can offer appointments with a range of health professionals including a GP, nurse, clinical pharmacist or physiotherapist, depending on your situation. Appointments may be face to face, over the phone or online.
Urgent and emergency care
Urgent treatment centres (UTCs) provide urgent medical help when it’s not a life-threatening emergency. They can diagnose and deal with many common problems people go to A&E for. They can help with common problems, such as:
- sprains and strains
- suspected broken bones
- injuries, cuts and bruises
- stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea
- skin infections and rashes
- high temperature in children and adults
- mental health concerns
- emergency contraception
Accident and emergency (A&E) is for serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies. These are things like heavy bleeding, choking and seizures.
If you’re not sure what to do, call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Call 999
999 is for life threatening emergencies only. Find out about when to call 999 and what happens next.
If you’re not sure where your nearest health services are, get help from the NHS.