In an emergency take the patient to the nearest accident and emergency department, or call 999 for an ambulance.

It is often very obvious if a person is seriously ill and needs emergency care. This is usually when someone is in a critical or life-threatening situation.

The following provide some practical examples:

• Unconsciousness
• Heavy blood loss or a deep wound
• Suspected broken bones
• Chest pains or a suspected heart attack
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe burns
• Severe allergic reaction

In these cases, do not hesitate to call an ambulance or take the patient to the nearest accident and emergency department at the following hospitals:

• Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Road, Exeter – telephone 01392 411611
• Torbay District General Hospital , Newton Road, Torquay – telephone 01803 614567
• Taunton and Somerset Hospital, Musgrove Park, Taunton – telephone 01823 333444
• Derriford Hospital, Derriford Road, Crownhill, Plymouth – telephone 01752 202082
• North Devon District Hospital, Raleigh Park, Barnstaple – telephone 01271 322577