Think carefully before you dial 999
Do not hesitate to call 999 in the case of a genuine life-threatening emergency, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, unconsciousness or serious bleeding.
However, there are a number of other options for less seriously ill or injured people, including:
- Visiting your local pharmacy
- Ringing NHS 111 Wales by dialling 111
- Visiting www.111.wales.nhs.uk
- Visiting your local GP
If you need to go to hospital, can you get there by car, public transport or taxi? You will not be seen any quicker at the hospital if you arrive by ambulance.
If you dial 999 for a problem which is not a genuine emergency, then you could be delaying our response to someone who is suffering from a life-threatening condition.
When to dial 999
Many of the calls we receive are not life threatening emergencies. Please think carefully before you dial 999 - you can help save lives.
Dial 999 immediately for emergencies such as:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty in breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe loss of blood
- Choking
- Fitting/ convulsions
- Drowning
- Severe allergic reactions