When to ring 999

Ring 999 immediately if the patient is:

• Not breathing
• So breathless cannot speak
• Breathing difficulties + very pale or blue or clammy
• Unconscious and unrousable
• Becoming rapidly more drowsy without explanation
• Unexplained continuous pain across chest + pale or clammy
• Profuse bleeding

If the patient is unconscious make sure they are able to breathe properly. It may be a good idea to place them in the recovery position, if you are able.

The recovery position

If you feel an immediate ambulance is not appropriate, but you fear the situation may be serious and urgent attention is needed, please contact a doctor at our own number 966 3587 in working hours, or 903 0011 out of hours. Let the receptionist know you believe it is an emergency and the receptionist will ensure the doctor contacts you as soon as it is possible.