A&E or 999?

A&E and 999 are emergency services that should only be used when people are badly injured or show symptoms of critical illness.

A&E

A&E provides care and treatment for patients with life threatening or serious injuries or illness, such as:

• Blacking out
• Heavy blood loss
• Suspected broken bones
• A deep wound such as a stab wound
• Chest pain
• Difficulty in breathing
• Severe burns
• Severe allergic reaction.

About half the people who visit A&E in Norfolk could have been treated elsewhere. People who go to A&E when they don’t need to slow down a service that, for some, can make the difference between life and death.

• Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Trust

If you’re confused about what to do, contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 and they will advise you where to go to get the most appropriate treatment.

999 - When to call an ambulance

Ambulances are used in a life threatening emergency, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, unconsciousness or serious bleeding which can mean life or death to the person who needs them, which is why it’s important that you should only call an ambulance when absolutely necessary.

Remember:

If your illness or injury isn’t life threatening there are other NHS services that you can use:

• NHS Walk-in centre
• Minor Injuries Unit
• GP
• Pharmacist
  NHS Direct