If you are in a situation where you feel you need urgent medical care, i.e a paramedic, you must call 999 and ask for the Ambulance service. 

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 serious should consider other healthcare options rather than calling 999.

Always call 999 if someone is seriously ill or injured, and their life is at risk. Once you are connected to an ambulance 999 operator or call handler, they will ask you a series of questions to establish what is wrong. This will allow them to determine the most appropriate response as quickly as possible.

Do not hang up - Wait for a response from the ambulance control room as 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.

If you need medical help fast but it is not a life threatening emergency you can call NHS 111 by dialing 111 on your telephone keypad. NHS 111 is a fast and easy way to get the right help, whatever the time and also co-ordinate patient care when the surgery is closed.

NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.

Call 111 if:

• you need medical help fast but it's not a 999 emergency
• you think you need to go to A&E or need another NHS urgent care service
• you don't know who to call or you can't wait to see your GP
• you need health information or reassurance about what to do next

More information about how NHS 111 can help you can be found here