Trip to A&E? You’re often better off elsewhere

Why it’s usually not an emergency: although ticks can transmit dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease or tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), the risk can be reduced if you react quickly – by removing the tick yourself.

When should you go to A&E: If you notice flu-like symptoms within six weeks after a tick bite or if the skin around the bite site reddens in a ring – signs of “erythema migrans” – you must see a doctor.

First-aid at home: There are a number of aids that are equally good at removing ticks, ranging from a bank card and tweezers to special tick removers. And, if you have nothing else to hand, a fingernail. It’s a good idea to disinfect the bite mark afterwards. Try to pull the tick out straight without turning or squashing it.

Why it’s usually not an emergency: it’s normal for the puncture site to hurt, burn, swell and turn red. Bee or wasp stings usually heal without intervention after a few days. Annoying, but not dangerous.

When should you go to A&E: if you are stung on the mouth or in the throat, you should call the emergency service (144) immediately. If your tongue or mucous membranes swell, there is a risk of respiratory distress. Another – albeit rarer – case is an allergy to an insect venom. Typical reactions include a severe rash, swollen limbs, shortness of breath or even respiratory arrest. However, anyone who is allergic to insect bites should always carry an emergency kit with them in summer.

First-aid at home: if the sting is stuck in the skin, you can push it out with a bank card, for example. It also helps to cool the sting to stop swelling and reduce itching.

Why it’s usually not an emergency: anything that’s not a broken bone, be it a sprain, fall or collision, is usually best seen by a family doctor instead of going to A&E, if you need to see a doctor at all. Sports injuries are painful and can often take a long time to heal, but they aren’t usually an emergency.

When should you go to A&E: Spinal injuries should be seen immediately.

First-aid at home: for first-aid for sprains and strains, remember the acronym RICE: R for rest, I for ice (place the ice in a cloth rather than laying it directly on the skin), C for compression using e.g. an elastic bandage, and E for elevation. And then you need to have a little patience.

Why it’s usually not an emergency: containing appliances such as a hob, oven, or kettle, the kitchen can be a dangerous place. Excessive heat – or cold – on the skin can cause thermal injuries. The skin gets red, itchy and blisters start to form. Burns are caused by dry heat, scalds from hot liquid or steam. However, most injuries are usually superficial. Painful, but not an emergency.

When should you go to A&E: burns are divided into four stages: From stage 2 onwards – when lower layers of skin are affected or at least 10% of the body surface – you should see a doctor immediately. It’s just as important to seek immediate medical assistance if you’ve inhaled smoke or injured sensitive areas of the body, such as the head, hands or genitals.

First-aid at home: the affected areas have to be cooled immediately. It’s best to hold them under running tap water that’s not too cold for a few minutes. Cooling for longer does not reduce the damage. Don’t lay ice cubes directly on the skin – that will only make it worse.