Patient support

If you've been assessed by a Magpas Air Ambulance doctor and/or paramedic and directed to this page for the next steps, then they likely felt that you do not need to attend a hospital Emergency Department at the current time and are able to return home to rest.

If the doctor/paramedic gave you specific advice about any minor injuries you have, we urge you to follow this advice.

Being involved in an accident is always traumatic, and it is likely that you will find your aches and pains worsen slightly over the next 24 hours. Regularly taking a painkiller such a paracetamol (please consult the packaging) will often help. Very occasionally, some patients may develop a problem later on after their incident, so we would advise that:

• Someone is able to be with you for the next few hours
• You attend your local Emergency Department if you develop worrying symptoms, such as:
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Worsening abdominal pain despite painkillers
  • Drowsiness
  • Chest pain
  • Limb weakness or numbness

Call 111 or visit www.nhs.uk for further details or assistance.

If you've been assessed by a Magpas Air Ambulance doctor and/or paramedic and directed to this page for the next steps, then they likely felt that you do not need to attend a hospital Emergency Department at the current time and are able to return home to rest.

If the doctor/paramedic gave you specific advice about any minor injuries you have, we urge you to follow this advice.

It is likely that you will have a headache after your injury. Taking regular painkillers such as paracetamol (please consult the packaging) usually helps with this. It is important that you also rest at home. For the next 48 hours, we advise that you stay within easy reach of help and that you don't drive or operate machinery, or drink any alcohol. It is also recommended that you avoid contact sports for at least three weeks.

Some people who have experienced a minor head injury later develop unexpected symptoms. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is important that you go to your local Emergency Department:

• Vomiting
• Increasing drowsiness
• Changes in vision
• Unusual behaviour
• Fitting or seizures
• Slurred speech
• Persistent and worsening headache that does not improve with painkillers

Call 111 or visit www.nhs.uk for further details or assistance.

If you've been assessed by a Magpas Air Ambulance doctor and/or paramedic and directed to this page for the next steps, then they likely felt that you do not need to attend a hospital Emergency Department at the current time and are able to return home to rest.

They may be suggesting that you have a neck sprain—stretched, torn or bruised muscles and ligaments. It may take 6-12 hours for symptoms of the neck sprain to develop. This can cause pain, stiffness and a temporary loss of movement in the neck, which may last from 3 days to 3 weeks.

If the doctor/paramedic gave you specific advice about any minor injuries you have, we urge you to follow this advice. The following advice should be taken by anyone suffering from a neck sprain:

• Take regular painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines such as paracetamol and ibuprofen (please consult the packaging) if you're able
• Do not use a neck collar or support as this will only increase the stiffness in your neck
• Exercise your neck every waking hour during the day, repeating each of the below exercises 5 times slowly, allowing the muscles to stretch out. Only move to the point of pain—do not press through it.

Driving a car is not recommended while your neck is stiff or painful. If the pain persists after 7 days, please contact your GP or local Emergency Department.

Call 111 or visit www.nhs.uk for further details or assistance.