When to Call 999

999 Life-threatening emergencies

Call 999 in a medical or mental health emergency. This is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

These emergencies can include:

• loss of consciousness
• a sudden confused state
• fits that are not stopping
• chest pain
• breathing difficulties
• severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
• severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) 
• severe burns or scalds 
• someone has seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose

Call 999 immediately if you think you or someone else is having a heart attack or stroke. Every second counts with these conditions.

Also call 999 if you think someone has had a major trauma, such as after a serious road traffic accident, a stabbing, a shooting, a fall from height, or a serious head injury.