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!

A&E

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.

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