Health emergencies

Overview

Everyone can use emergency care when needed.

If you have a disability or extra need, emergency services will do their best to support you.

An A&E (also called emergency department or casualty) treats serious, life‑threatening problems, such as:

• loss of consciousness
• confusion or fits that will not stop
• severe chest pain
• trouble breathing
• heavy bleeding that will not stop
• severe allergic reactions
• serious burns or scalds

Less serious injuries can be treated at urgent treatment centres. An A&E is not a replacement for a doctor’s appointment.

If your GP is closed, call NHS 111. They will tell you where to go. You can also visit an NHS walk-in centre. You do not need an appointment.

Find your nearest A&E (Accident and Emergency)

You can find your nearest A&E online.

If you call 999 and need an ambulance, the crew will take you to the most suitable A&E. This may not be the nearest one.

Most community hospitals in Somerset offer urgent care, but not full 24-hour A&E services. Hospital websites explain what they provide.

The NHS Quicker app and website show waiting times. They list nearby urgent treatment centres and A&E departments. They sort them by travel time and wait time.

Communication and support

Hospital Passports help staff understand your needs. They include important details, like how best to communicate with you.

The South Western Ambulance Service has easy read guides. These explain:

• how the ambulance service can help
• how to call 999
• what happens when the ambulance arrives
• who the crew are

Widget Health also has easy read guides for ambulances, A&E and hospitals.