When you or someone you’re caring for becomes unwell, it can be difficult to decide the best place to go for help. Should you head straight to Accident & Emergency (A&E), call NHS 111 for advice, or seek help from your GP or a walk-in centre? Knowing the difference can help you get the right care quickly, avoid long waits, and make sure A&E is available for those who need it most.
When to go to A&E
A&E departments are for serious or life-threatening emergencies. If you or someone else is seriously ill or injured, call 999 immediately or go straight to your nearest A&E.
Here are examples for adults, children, and babies:
Adults should go to A&E if they have:
- Chest pain or tightness that may be a heart attack
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side (possible stroke)
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Heavy bleeding that won’t stop
- A deep wound or large burn
- A major head injury, especially with loss of consciousness
- Seizures that are new, prolonged, or repeated
- Suspected broken bones or dislocated joints
Children should be taken to A&E if they have:
- Breathing difficulties, wheezing, or turning blue
- Persistent vomiting with signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears when crying, fewer wet nappies)
- A unexpected or unexplained fit (seizure)
- A serious fall or head injury
- Suspected broken bones or dislocated joints
Babies should be taken to A&E if they have:
- Fever above 38°C if under three months old
- A rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is pressed on it (possible meningitis)
- Difficulty breathing or pauses in breathing
- Limpness, unresponsiveness, or difficulty waking
- Persistent projectile vomiting
- Signs of dehydration (no wet nappies for several hours, sunken soft spot on head)
In all of these situations, urgent medical attention is essential.
When to ring NHS 111
NHS 111 is available 24/7 to give you advice on where to go and what to do based on your symptoms. It’s especially useful if you’re not sure how serious the problem is, or if you need urgent advice but it’s not a life-threatening emergency.
Examples of when to call NHS 111 include:
Adults:
- Fever, aches, and flu-like symptoms that are not improving
- Suspected minor broken bone or sprain
- Mild to moderate allergic reaction without breathing difficulty
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea
- Sudden but mild chest discomfort that has settled
Children:
- High temperature that doesn’t come down with paracetamol/ibuprofen
- Cough or cold symptoms that are getting worse
- Mild rash without other worrying symptoms
- Earache or sore throat that’s very painful
Babies:
- Ongoing fever that’s not an immediate A&E situation
- Feeding difficulties without signs of severe illness
- Mild breathing problems such as a wheezy chest without distress
- Minor falls or bumps
NHS 111 can direct you to an urgent treatment centre, walk-in clinic, pharmacy, or arrange an out-of-hours GP appointment if necessary. They can also tell you if you need to go to A&E.
When to call 999
If you suspect a heart attack, stroke, severe bleeding, choking, or someone is unresponsive, call 999 immediately. Don’t waste time driving yourself or waiting for advice in these cases – ambulances can provide life-saving treatment on the way to hospital.
For less serious issues
If your condition is mild or can wait until normal hours, your GP surgery is the best first contact. Many surgeries also offer same-day urgent appointments.
A walk-in centre or urgent treatment centre can help with:
- Minor cuts needing stitches
- Simple fractures and sprains
- Infections needing antibiotics
- Minor burns and scalds
- Insect bites or stings
Pharmacists can also give advice on many common conditions such as coughs, rashes, and stomach upsets.
The bottom line
- A&E: For life-threatening or serious emergencies only.
- 999: If someone is seriously ill, injured, or their life is at risk.
- NHS 111: For urgent advice when you’re unsure what to do (also available online).
- GP / walk-in centre: For less serious issues that still need treatment.
By making the right choice, you can get the best care for yourself or your family, and help NHS services run smoothly for everyone.
