111 or 999? Who to call

Tick what is happening to see which NHS service or number to contact.

Your details

Nothing urgent ticked

GP

Your pharmacy or GP surgery

  • Minor illnessa pharmacist, often without an appointment
  • Not sureNHS 111 online or call 111
  • Life threatening999

For most everyday illnesses a pharmacist can help, and your GP surgery can see you for things that are not getting better. If you are not sure, NHS 111 will point you the right way.

If anything changes and an item on the 999 list appears, call 999.

The working

How the answer is chosen

Anything life threatening, such as a stroke, chest pain that will not go or struggling to breathe, means 999, whatever else is ticked. A mental health crisis with no immediate danger goes to 111, mental health option. Anything else that feels urgent goes to 111, and for a child under 5 that means calling 111 rather than using 111 online. If nothing is ticked, a pharmacist or your GP surgery is usually the right place.

Stroke

Think FAST

LetterCheck
F, facehas one side drooped? can they smile?
A, armscan they lift both arms and keep them there?
S, speechis it slurred or confused?
T, timecall 999 straight away, even if it passes

Other help

Numbers worth saving

  • NHS 111: urgent medical help, day or night
  • Samaritans: 116 123, free, any time
  • Shout: text SHOUT to 85258
  • Your pharmacy: minor illnesses, often without an appointment

Read with care

What this cannot tell you

A pointer to the right number, not a medical assessment.

  • Assess youOnly a 999 or 111 call handler can do that.
  • List every emergencyIf you think it is life threatening, call 999.
  • WaitDo not use this page instead of calling when someone is seriously ill.

Questions

Common questions

When should I call 999 instead of 111?

999 is for life threatening emergencies, like strokes, heart attacks and serious accidents. If you are not sure, NHS 111 can help you decide.

Can 111 help with mental health?

Yes. Call 111 and choose the mental health option to reach trained staff, day or night.

Should I drive to A&E?

Do not drive yourself. Ask someone to drive you, or call 999 for an ambulance.

Can I use 111 online for a baby?

111 online is for people aged 5 and over. Call 111 for a child under 5.

Sources

Last checked 21 October 2026. Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we will fix it.

If you are not sure

Call NHS 111 and say what is happening; they will tell you where to go. In a life threatening emergency, call 999. Samaritans are on 116 123, any time.

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