The Paramedic Parent

As a parent, there’s nothing more terrifying than seeing your child unwell. You might find yourself staring at a thermometer, questioning whether a cough is “just a cold” or something more serious, or wondering if that rash is something you can ignore… or if it’s an emergency. I’m a practising paramedic and a parent , so I get it. I’ve been called to hundreds of situations where parents weren’t sure what to do—and trust me, you are not overreacting . In fact, knowing when to call NHS 111 can be the difference between peace of mind and a serious situation escalating. This blog is here to guide you—clear, practical advice from someone who’s seen it all, to help you decide when 111 is the right call, and when it’s time to dial 999 . What NHS 111 Actually Does First, let’s bust a myth: 111 isn’t just for emergencies, and calling isn’t “wasting the NHS’s time.” 111 is for urgent, non-life-threatening situations . It’s available 24/7, staffed by trained health advisors, and can: Gi...