Emergency help

In an emergency, call first.

Don’t wait for a reply from us. These numbers are free and answer day and night.

Danger signs

Call straight away if you see any of these.

Chest pain or pressure

Especially with sweating, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back.

Trouble breathing

Gasping, lips turning blue, or unable to finish a sentence.

Heavy bleeding

Bleeding that won’t stop with firm pressure.

Unconscious or won’t wake

Someone who collapses, or is very hard to wake up.

Face drooping, weak arm, slurred speech

Signs of a stroke. Note the time it started.

A fit or seizure

Especially a first one, or one that lasts more than five minutes.

Serious burns

Large or deep burns, or burns on the face or hands.

A child who is floppy or very drowsy

Or not drinking, or struggling to breathe.

Bleeding or severe pain in pregnancy

Or a sudden bad headache, blurred vision or fits.

While you wait

Stay on the line
Give the address and a landmark. Keep your phone switched on and close by.
Stay with the person
Keep them still and calm, and loosen tight clothing.
Press on bleeding
Use a clean cloth and press firmly. Don’t lift it to check.
On their side if they can’t respond
If they’re breathing but not awake, turn them on their side so they don’t choke.
Nothing to eat or drink
And no medicine, unless the 1122 operator tells you to.
Gather their papers
ID card, old reports and the medicines they take. Send someone to the gate to guide the ambulance in.

This is general first aid, not medical advice. Always follow what the emergency operator tells you.

Nearest emergency departments