Accidents & Emergencies - significant
Everybody's view of a what constitutes an accident or emergency, is different. This page deals with those cases which would arew serious require a visit to A&E or a 999 call.
For accidents and emergencies which are of a minor nature see Accidents & Emergencies - minor.
Accidents & real Emergencies
Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury is the nearest A&E to SAMC)
It does exactly what it says on its sign: deals ONLY with Accidents & Emergencies. If you go to A&E when you should have come here - they contact us to ask us why and we have to follow up with you!
PLEASE ONLY go to A&E for real Accidents and real Emergencies.
Attendance costs the NHS up to around £150 (even if you don't wait for assessment) - thousands if you stay overnight. You'd see a junior doctor without access to your medical records.
Heart attack (never ignore)
- Chest pain - like a heaviness, or band-like across the chest
- Jaw pain
- Tingling in your left arm or high in the back
- DIAL 999 – delay can mean long term heart problems
Stroke: act F.A.S.T.
If you see any 1 of these symptoms:
- Has their FACE fallen on one side, can they smile?
- Can they raise both ARMS and keep them there?
- Is their SPEECH slurred?
- TIME to call 999
Meningitis
Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect meningitis. Early antibiotics increases the chance of full recovery.
Common symptoms:
- headache
- neck stiffness
- inability to tolerate light associated with a fever
- confusion or altered consciousness
- Children often exhibit non-specific symptoms: irritability & drowsiness and non-blanching rash.
Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes covering the spinal cord. In certain circumstances this can be life-threatening, causing permanent disability; therefore the condition is treated as a medical emergency.