call 999... Calling 999 doesn't always mean an ambulance response or trip to hospital. ... For further information visit
What to expect when you call 999...
Calling 999 doesn’t always mean an ambulance response or trip to hospital. #Team999 is here to get you the right care, at the right time, in the right place. Turn over to read about how we do this and what to expect when you call 999. To find out more visit
www.nwas.nhs.uk or search #Team999. Scan here to view a video of what to expect
You should call 999 when someone is seriously ill or injured and you think their life is at risk. Remember, if it’s not life-threatening, but you need medical help fast, call NHS 111. When you call 999, a BT operator will answer your call and ask you which emergency service you need. Once you are connected to the ambulance service, we will ask you some questions to help us decide how to help you. Calls to the ambulance service are split into different categories which help us decide how to respond. These categories are explained below.
Red calls
A paramedic in a rapid response car may reach you first and provide life-saving treatment before the ambulance arrives. We will use blue lights and sirens to get to you as quickly as possible. We may also ask voluntary community first responders, air ambulances, mountain rescue teams and emergency doctors to help.
The phone number you are calling from? (in case we need to call you back) • The location of the emergency? • What has happened? • Questions about the patient - this does not delay help!
Green calls
Potentially life-threatening e.g. cardiac arrest, stroke, fitting The nearest available responder will be sent to help you immediately.
You will be asked...
Not life-threatening e.g. minor traffic incident, bleeding, abdominal pain, sick/unwell
Treatment Our highly skilled clinicians will use their expert knowledge to assess you and work out the best course of action. They will decide what further treatment you might need and take you there or refer your care to a GP or nurse in your community. If you can stay at home they will give you self-care advice.
Whilst help is on the way... Don’t hang up unless told to do so • Tell us how safe it is – are you alone/ outside/is there an attacker nearby? • Lock away any pets • Get someone to meet the crew
Some patients, not all, will get a response from the ambulance service. For those that do, it may take some time for us to get to you. In certain situations we may use blue lights and sirens to help us to get to you quickly. You may get a call back from a specialist paramedic or nurse who will assess you over the phone to work out where you can get the right care, and whether an ambulance is appropriate. You may be asked to hang up and dial 111 instead.
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Trust Headquarters Ladybridge Hall, Chorley New Road, Bolton, BL1 5DD Minicom: 0151 260 8628 Email:
[email protected] Website: www.nwas.nhs.uk
