There are some urgent situations where timing is imporant and urgency is required, in these situations it may be better to call 999 and seek immediate help.

Situations where you should call 999 first rather than the pracitce may include:

• Suspected heart attack eg. chest pain, even if you haven't previoulsy had heart problems
  
  
• Loss of consciousness
  
  
• Severe and sudden shortness of breath
  
  
• Suspected stroke (FAST acronym - Face, Arms, Speech, Time)
  
  
• Sudden and severe allergic reaction eg. facial swelling or breathing difficulty