20/12/2025
It’s an important reminder that we need to support our A&E Departments across the area. As we approach the festive season numbers arriving to A&E increase.
Help to keep A&E for genuine emergencies such as:
🔴 Signs of a heart attack: chest pain, pressure, heaviness, tightness or squeezing across the chest
🔴 Signs of a stroke: face dropping on one side, cannot hold both arms up, difficulty speaking
🔴 Sudden confusion: cannot be sure of own name or age
🔴 Su***de attempt: by taking something or self-harming
🔴 Severe difficulty breathing: not being able to get words out, choking or gasping
🔴 Choking: on liquids or solids right now
🔴 Heavy bleeding: spraying, pouring or enough to make a puddle
🔴 Severe injuries: after a serious accident or assault
🔴 Seizure (fit): shaking or jerking because of a fit, or unconscious (cannot be woken up)
🔴 Sudden, rapid swelling: of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue
If you have a life-threatening emergency call 999.
If you need urgent care but are not sure where to go use NHS 111.
For minor injuries visit our urgent treatment centres: https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/services/urgent-and-emergency/minor-illnesses-and-injuries/
