At 11pm on a Saturday with a screaming child and a rising thermometer, the last thing you need is a decision tree. Here's what to use and when.
Your GP
Right for anything not urgent but needing medical attention: a cough lasting more than three weeks, a persistent rash, ongoing earache, development concerns, follow-ups. Most surgeries offer same-day urgent appointments for children - always worth calling first thing.
NHS 111
Right when you need medical help but it's not life-threatening. Call 111 for children under five (the online tool isn't designed for very young children). 111 will assess symptoms and direct you - that might be an urgent treatment centre, out-of-hours GP, pharmacy, or A&E. If 111 sends you to A&E, the hospital will know you're coming.
A&E
For serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies only. Difficulty breathing, seizures, unresponsiveness, a rash that doesn't fade under a glass, suspected broken bones, heavy bleeding that won't stop. For minor injuries like small cuts or sprains, an urgent treatment centre is usually faster.
Call 999
When there is an immediate threat to life. Your child stops breathing, won't wake up, is having a seizure lasting more than five minutes, is struggling to breathe, is limp and floppy, or has suddenly turned pale, blue, or grey. Don't drive yourself - the ambulance crew can begin treatment on the way.
The shortcut
If you're unsure, call 111 first. They will tell you if you need A&E, and if they're worried, they'll call 999 for you. The worst thing is not calling for help - it's sitting at home wondering whether you should.