National and Emergency Health and Wellbeing Resources

Emergency Situations

There may be some emergency situations where you can identify what is wrong and support someone until the emergency services arrive.

Stroke

If someone is displaying the signs below then it is likely that they are having a stroke. Acting FAST and calling an ambulance could be crucial.

Heart Attack

Here are some signs to look out for if you suspect you or someone else is having a heart attack. When you call for an ambulance you may be asked to complete CPR (chest compressions) however they will talk you through how to do this.

Using an epipen

An epipen is used to treat Anaphylaxis which is a life threatening allergic reaction that happens very quickly. It can be caused by food, medicine or insect stings.

They usually start within minutes of coming into contact with something you’re allergic to, such as a food, medicine or insect sting.

Symptoms include:

• swelling of your throat and tongue
• difficulty breathing or breathing very fast
• difficulty swallowing, tightness in your throat or a hoarse voice
• wheezing, coughing or noisy breathing
• feeling tired or confused
• feeling faint, dizzy or fainting
• skin that feels cold to the touch
• blue, grey or pale skin, lips or tongue – if you have brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet.

Most people who have these allergies will carry an epipen with them. Here is a guide on how to use an epipen in the event that you come across someone suffering from anaphylaxis.

National Mental Health Services include:

Action Mental Health – 0141 530 1000 

Breathing Space – 0800 838557 

NHS Inform – 0800 224488 

NHS –Crisis—111 option 2 

Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland – 0800 3896809 

NHS Living Life – 0800 3289655 

Samaritans – 116 123