When should I go to A&E?

hen dealing with a medical issue either at home, work or in a public place it can be very hard to decide what sort of medical attention is required.
This visual representation really helps!

What counts as an emergency? 

A&E departments are for patients with serious and life-threatening conditions.
If someone is obviously in danger – for example, they are experiencing chest pain, blacking out, bleeding, choking or the early symptoms of a stroke – they should be taken to hospital as quickly as possible.
Serious allergic reactions, severe burns, difficulty breathing or severe abdominal pain down one side are also all reasons to seek treatment at A&E and call an ambulance if necessary.
However, if it is not an emergency, consider one of the other options available to patients.

Should I call 999?

Patients unsure whether they should go to A&E should avoid calling the emergency services, but call the NHS non-emergency number, 111, instead.
The helpline was launched in 2013 and took over as the national telephone health advice line from NHS Direct.
A trained operator supported by nurses and paramedics asks questions about symptoms and can either call an ambulance or direct patients to their nearest out-of-hours doctor, urgent care centre or late-opening chemist if needed.
Calling 111 is free from both landlines and mobile phone and it is available 24 hours a day, all year round.

Why not try asking the pharmacist?

Your local pharmacist can give you friendly, expert advice about over-the-counter medicines that can help with lots of common conditions such as diarrhoea, a runny nose, a painful cough or a headache, without the need for an appointment. As well as dispensing prescriptions, pharmacists provide a range of services related to specific health issues and can advise on minor ailments such as colds, skin conditions and allergies.

First Aid Training

Our first aid training gives you the confidence to deal with various medical issues and decide how serious they are. It’s all about assessing the situation, deciding whether you are able to assist and whether you need to call for urgent medical assistance. Your first aid in many situations could mean the difference between life or death – literally.

Why Train Aid?

At Train Aid we pride ourselves on delivering professional and personable training courses. We put a large emphasis on the practical elements of training and appreciate the positive impact of a fun and enjoyable learning environment. We are industry leaders in delivering first aid training.