| A useful definition of a medical emergency can be found on NHS Choices website, follow this Link
A 999 call should only be made in a genuine emergency. To ensure seriously ill and injured patients are treated as quickly as possible, people whose call is not a medical emergency should consider other healthcare options rather than calling 999. These could include:
- self-care at home,
- talking to your local pharmacist,
- calling NHS Direct on 0845 4647,
- attending a local NHS walk-in centre,
- visiting your GP, or
- making your own way to your local A&E department (arriving in an ambulance does not mean you will be seen any quicker).
Is it a genuine emergency?
If so, call 999 or 112 and don’t panic. The call handler will ask you a series of questions. For example
What happened?
Give a short description of the incident
What kind of injuries/symptoms does the person have?
Where did it happen?
Provide as much detail as you can about the location.
How many people are affected?
Do not hang up
Wait for a response from the ambulance control room; they might have further questions for you. The person who handles your call will let you know when they have all the information they need. You might also be instructed on how to give first aid until the ambulance arrives.
These will help you to deal with the situation quickly and efficiently:
Remain calm.
Do everything you can to help the person, but don’t put yourself in danger.
Don’t give the person anything to eat, drink or smoke.
Don’t put anything in their mouth.
If they have hurt their back or neck do not move them.
Hampshire Fire & Rescue website www.hantsfire.gov.uk/yoursafety provides very useful information on safety and emergencies around the home.
For more information contact:
| Your local Fire station Winchester |
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Fire Service HQ |
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Hampshire Fire & Rescue
North Walls
Winchester
SO23 8DP
Tel: 01962 859457 |
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Hampshire Fire & Rescue
Service HQ
Leigh Road,
Eastleigh.
SO50 9SJ
Tel: 023 8064 4000 |
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