Every emergency ambulance in the country must carry at least one crew member trained in paramedical skills. See also 'Ambulance Services'. Many accident and emergency cases can be treated on an out-patient basis and you can go home after treatment. Smaller units called 'casualty departments' may not provide 24 hour cover. Under the Patient's Charter, your need for treatment should be assessed immediately on arrival in the accident and emergency department.
Many departments operate a system called 'triage' which prioritises the most urgent cases.
There may be a triage nurse who is skilled in this. If your case is not very serious you may need to be prepared for a long wait, particularly at busy times which will include most evenings and over the weekend. More serious injuries and illness will call for admission as an in-patient. The department to which you are admitted will depend on the type of injuries sustained. Under the 1988 Road Traffic Act, NHS hospitals may charge drivers involved in road traffic accidents an Emergency Treatment Fee for any casualties requiring immediate treatment.