Do you know when to call 999?

Do you know when to call 999? That is the simple but crucial question being asked by the East of England Ambulance Service as it approaches the busiest time of the year for 999 calls.

Do you know when to call 999? That is the simple but crucial question being asked by the East of England Ambulance Service as it approaches the busiest time of the year for 999 calls.
 
Each winter, demand rises significantly when the weather gets colder - especially during snowy conditions like previous years.
 
The ambulance service wants people to ‘Choose Well’ and ensure they are preparing enough so that they know what to do if they need to access NHS services.
 
Associate Director of Emergency Operations Neil Storey said: “Every year the number of 999 calls to non-life threatening conditions rises significantly.  If you dial 999 for a problem which is not a genuine emergency, then you could be delaying our response to someone who is suffering from a life-threatening condition and in fact you could have been choosing a much more appropriate way of dealing with your health problem, which we know is what people would rather be doing.
 
“If it is appropriate, an ambulance response will be dispatched immediately, but you may be asked to stay on the phone so the ambulance call-taker can give you any medical advice for the patient. Don’t worry - this will NOT delay the ambulance response, be that an ambulance or a paramedic in a response car. 
 
“The reality is that we need the public to make sure they allow us to concentrate on these calls where every second counts.”
 
Do not hesitate to call 999 in the case of a genuine life-threatening emergency, such as:

• chest pain,
• difficulty in breathing
• unconsciousness
• severe loss of blood
• severe burns or scalds
• choking
• fitting or concussion
• drowning
• severe allergic reaction
• If you suspect a stroke. Please stay calm while you’re asked a series of questions; we want to send the most appropriate response based on the patient’s clinical need.

For information on using the 999 service, and ways in which you can have healthy winter, visit www.eastamb.nhs.uk , visit the official East of England Ambulance page on facebook, or follow @EastEnglandAmb on Twitter.
 
If you become unwell, please stop to consider what is the most appropriate point of accessing NHS services so that you can ‘Choose Well’.  This guide can help you decide:
 
Step 1: Choose self-care for minor ailments
Don't forget to keep your first-aid kit well stocked - ask your pharmacist for advice on treating conditions such as a hangover, a grazed knee, a sore throat, a cough, minor cuts and sprains.
 
Step 2: Choose a pharmacist for access to over the counter medicines
Get advice on conditions such as tummy upsets, coughs and colds, diarrhoea, minor infections, headaches and travel advice.
 
Step 3: Choose NHS Direct for advice and information 24 hours a day
You can call 0845 46 47 or log onto www.nhs.uk for advice if you feel unwell, you are unsure of your condition, are confused or need help
 
Step 4: Choose a walk-in centre or minor injuries unit.
These centres can treat a wide range of minor conditions and you will often be seen much more quickly than if you went to A&E.  Use them for conditions such as deep cuts, eye injuries, severe sprains, suspected fracture, minor head injuries and minor burns and scalds
 
Step 5: Choose your GP for prescriptions and persistent conditions
As well as making an appointment during the day, all GPs offer an out-of-hours service.  They can help with conditions such as children with a fever, persistent vomiting, ear pain, generally unwell, rashes.
 
Step 6: Choose A&E or dial 999 for life threatening conditions or illnesses
In an emergency, go to your local A&E department or call 999 for an ambulance.

This includes conditions such as choking, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, drowning, fitting or concussion, serious blood loss, severe burns, scalds or allergic reactions.