Enable ReciteMe Accessibility Tools Search Home Our Services Emergency Care When Should You Call 999? When Should You Call 999? Share: Life-threatening emergencies You should call 999 in a medical emergency, when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk. These can include: Loss of consciousness Cardiac arrest Heart attack Stroke An acute confused state Chest pains Breathing difficulties Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped Severe allergic reactions Severe burns or scalds Major trauma, such a s a road traffic accident or fall from a height Non-life threatening emergencies If it is not a life-threatening emergency, please consider other options before calling 999. These include: Pharmacist Coughs and colds Sore throat Indigestion Diarrhoea or constipation Aches and pains Help if you run out of a repeat prescription NHS Inform NHS inform has self-help guides for a range of conditions Phone 111 When your local GP and local pharmacy are closed, and you are too ill to wait Mental well-being If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need support, call NHS 24 on 111 Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 (open Monday – Thursday 6pm – 2am; Friday 6pm – Monday 6am Samaritans on 116 123 (open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year) Minor Injury Unit Visit your local minor injuries unit for non-life threatening but painful injuries, including: Cuts and minor burns Sprains and strains Suspected broken bones and fractures You can use Scotland's Service Directory to find a Minor Injuries Unit near you GP Surgery If you contact your GP practice, the service might be different to what you're used to as we work hard to prevent the spread of coronavirus. After phoning your GP practice, you might be offered a telephone or video appointment. If you're asked to go to your GP practice for an appointment, you might notice staff wearing personal protective equipment like face masks. You might also be asked to follow additional hygiene measures. In This Section Our Board Publications Business Cases Modern Slavery Statement Frequently Asked Questions Equality and Diversity Armed Forces Covenant Contact Us @SAS Staff Intranet Whistleblowing Make a Donation Privacy Policy Data Protection Notice © 2021 Scottish Ambulance Service Back to top