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Sex Emergency Health Young People's Health Clinics Pregnancy All Mixed Up Drugs & Alcohol Healthy Living Emergency Health Accidents and emergencies An emergency is a critical or life-threatening situation. Examples include:   unconsciousness   a suspected heart attack   heavy blood loss   difficulty in breathing   suspected broken bones   severe burns and scalds   deep wounds (such as a stab wound)   severe allergic reactions In an emergency dial 999 and ask for an ambulance. Depending on the closeness of the nearest accident and emergency department it may be quicker to go there for help. There are accident and emergency departments at:   Musgrove Park Hospital (Taunton)   Yeovil District Hospital   Weston General Hospital   Royal United Hospital (Bath) Even if your hospital is fairly close you should call an ambulance. Do not move the patient if you think:   they may have hurt their back or neck (or may have another injury that may be made worse by being moved)   the person is in shock and needs your constant attention   the person has severe chest pain or difficulty breathing Here are some things to remember in any emergency:   stay calm. Shout for help if necessary   you may need to instruct someone to telephone 999. Make sure they know where the ambulance has to come to and they have some details about the person who is injured or ill   don’t put yourself in danger. For example if someone has been electrocuted, make sure you switch off the power supply before touching them   don’t give the person anything to eat, drink or smoke. Don’t put anything in their mouth   follow any instructions the ambulance service call handler may give you. For more about what to do in an emergency see www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk Minor injuries For minor injuries:   see your GP   contact NHS Direct www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk 0845 46 47 There are minor injuries units at hospitals in Wellington, Chard, Bridgwater, Burnham and Minehead. Check opening times, as they are not open 24 hours (for a list of hospitals see Your Town/Area). Emergency contraception If you have had unprotected sex and don't want to become pregnant then you need to see someone about emergency contraception. If you've had unsafe sex you also need to ask for advice about sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Advice is free and it could stop you getting pregnant. You must act quickly – the sooner the better!. You have:   72 hours (3 days) to take emergency contraceptive pills   5 days to have a coil fitted Emergency contraception is available from:   contraceptive and sexual health clinics   young people’s health clinics   GP surgeries (ask for an emergency appointment; you do not have to say what it's for) These services can also check whether you have caught a STI and can offer you the necessary treatment. Some pharmacists are able to provide free emergency contraception pills if you are entitled to free prescriptions (or otherwise charge a prescription rate). Family Planning Association www.fpa.org.uk offers advice and information on sexual health and contraception. Helpline: 0845 3101334 Finding a doctor or dentist If you have moved to a new area, but have not registered with a doctor or dentist, try one of the following to find your nearest surgery:   local telephone directory   NHS Direct 0845 46 47 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk Somerset Patient and Practitioner Service - queries about registration with a doctor, medical cards, pre-payment certificates for prescriptions. Call 01823 333491 Helplines NHS Direct www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk - 24 hour advice and health information service run by experienced nurses and professional advisors (with online health encyclopaedia and self help guide). Call: 0845 46 47 Dental Helpline www.dentalhealth.org.uk - advice and information on dental care. Call 0845 0631188 Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) www.somerset.nhs.uk/pals - help, advice and support to patients, relatives and carers over problems or concerns about health services. Return to top of page Make text larger Make text smaller Text Only Display Disclaimer