10 Common Reasons to Go to A&E

10 Common Reasons to Go to A&E

Deciding whether to visit the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department can be stressful. To help you make the right choice, clinicians often use the CRASH-CABIN acronym.

If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek urgent medical attention. If your problem is not on this list, an alternative NHS service like 111, a pharmacist, or your GP may be more appropriate.

The CRASH-CABIN Checklist for A&E

• C – Chest pain

• R – Recent fracture (broken bone)

• A – Abdominal pain (severe) or heavy bleeding

• S – Shortness of breath

• H – Headache (new or severe) or sudden loss of vision

• C – Collapse, new confusion, or extreme drowsiness

• A – Accidents (significant trauma)

• B – Back pain (severe, new, or with weakness)

• I – Infection (suspected sepsis) or severe allergies

• N – New mental health crisis

1. Chest Pain

Chest pain is one of the most frequent reasons for emergency visits. While it can be indigestion, A&E staff must rule out life-threatening conditions:

• • Heart Attack (MI): Blockage of blood to the heart.

  • Pulmonary Embolism (PE): A blood clot in the lung.

  • Aortic Dissection: A tear in the body’s main artery requiring immediate surgery.

  • Pneumothorax: A collapsed lung that may require a chest drain.

2. Shortness of Breath

Difficulty breathing can escalate quickly. Common emergency causes include:

• Pneumonia: A severe lung infection.

• Heart Failure: Where the heart doesn’t pump blood effectively.

• COPD or Asthma Attacks: Acute flare-ups of COPD or asthma that don’t respond to home inhalers.

3. Severe Abdominal Pain or Bleeding

Severe abdominal pain may require surgery or urgent pain relief. Watch for:

• • Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix.

  • Bowel Obstruction: A blocked intestine.

  • Kidney Stones: Causing excruciating waves of pain.

  • Uncontrolled Bleeding: Including vomiting blood or heavy vaginal/rectal bleeding.

4. Fractures and Sprains

Broken bones (fractures) need immediate alignment or casting.

• Serious Fractures: Such as a fractured neck of femur (hip) or a wrist fracture.

• Sprains: While many can be managed at home, go to A&E if you cannot put weight on the limb or if the joint looks deformed.

5. Significant Accidents and Trauma

Significant injuries from road traffic accidents (RTAs), falls, or work-related incidents require triage:

• Head Injuries: Especially if there was a loss of consciousness.

• Major Burns: Or deep cuts that won’t stop bleeding.

6. Severe Back Pain

Most back pain is musculoskeletal and manages with rest, but certain “red flags” require an urgent MRI:

• Cauda Equina Syndrome or Spinal Cord Compression: Compression of the spinal nerves.

• Warning Signs: Weakness in legs, numbness in the “saddle area,” or loss of bladder/bowel control.

7. Infection (Sepsis) and Allergies

An infection can become life-threatening very quickly.

• Sepsis Indicators: High fever, shivering, and rapid heartbeat.

• Anaphylaxis: Severe allergic reactions to food or stings that cause swelling of the throat or tongue.

8. Severe Headache or Loss of Vision

A “thunderclap” headache (the worst pain you’ve ever felt) can indicate a serious bleed. Other emergencies include:

• Meningitis: Infection of the brain lining.

• Sudden Blindness: Or severe eye pain. Check if your hospital has an “Eye Casualty.”

9. The 3 C’s: Collapse, Confusion, or Consciousness

A collapse, rapid drop in consciousness, or rapid onset of confusion, is always an emergency. Causes include some of conditions above (especially infection/sepsis) and:

• Stroke: Remember the FAST test (Face, Arms, Speech, Time).

• Metabolic Crises, eg: 

  • Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

  • Severe diabetic ‘hypo’ (low sugar)

  • Drug side-effects – causes 10% of hospital admissions (Cosgrave, 2025)

  • Electrolyte imbalances (e.g. low blood sodium. high blood potassium)

  • Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), acute liver failure

10. Mental Health Crisis

There is no separate A&E for mental health. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, feel suicidal, or are in a state of psychosis, A&E is the place to go for immediate safety.

Summary: Is A&E the right place?

If your condition is life-threatening or matches the CRASH-CABIN list, call 999 or go to A&E immediately.

If your problem is minor, you will likely wait a long time as more urgent cases are prioritised (triaged). Consider calling 111 first for advice on the best service for your needs.