15/12/2025
Calling 999 doesn’t always mean an ambulance will be sent. In fact, around 20% of callers are supported by the Clinical Validation Team — highly skilled paramedics and nurses who can give expert advice over the phone or direct patients to more suitable services. This helps ensure everyone gets the right care, at the right time, in the right place.
Many people are surprised to learn that ambulance services don’t just take patients to hospital. In reality, fewer than half of the people who are seen are taken to an emergency department. Others are treated at the scene, given advice over the phone, or directed to services like GPs or minor injury units.
And remember: arriving by ambulance won’t get you seen faster in A&E. Emergency departments always prioritise the most serious cases first — whether you walk in or come by ambulance.
If it’s not life-threatening but you need advice, head to NHS 111 Online or call 111. They’ll guide you to the right care, whether that’s self-care at home, your GP, a pharmacist, or another service.
Your pharmacist and GP are also great places to turn for non-urgent medical concerns — they’re there to help.
But remember:
🚨 Call 999 or go to A&E only in a life-threatening emergency — things like severe illness, serious injury, or any situation where someone needs immediate, urgent medical care.
Knowing where to go helps everyone get the care they need, faster. 💙
