Why is emergency number 999

You might also be given instructions about how to give first aid until the ambulance arrives. If appropriate, you may want to call the patient's GP. If someone is injured in an incident, first check that you and the casualty are not in any danger. If you are, make the situation safe. When it's safe to do so, assess the casualty and, if necessary, dial or for an ambulance. You can then carry out basic first aid. See if you can identify what the most serious problem is.

The most obvious problem is not always the most serious. Check for broken bones and other injuries afterwards. If a person is unconscious but is breathing and has no other life-threatening conditions, they should be placed in the recovery position.

If a person is not breathing normally after an accident, call an ambulance and start CPR straight away if you can. Page last reviewed: 29 August Next review due: 29 August When to call Cookie banner We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from.

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Film TV Games. Fortnite Game of Thrones Books. Find out when to call each number. It is important you get the service you need and avoid calling out the emergency services unnecessarily.

Both and are free to call. You will speak to trained advisers who are supported by nurses and paramedics. They will ask your symptoms and offer their help. Interpreters are available on this service.