Key takeaway
What to do in a medical emergency in Ireland — when to call 999 or 112, how A&E works, and alternatives to avoid long waits.
Emergency numbers
In any life-threatening emergency in Ireland, call 999 or 112. Both numbers work and connect to the same emergency services (Ambulance, Fire, Garda). 112 is the standard EU emergency number and works from any phone.
When to go to A&E
A&E (Accident & Emergency) is for genuine emergencies: chest pain, difficulty breathing, serious injury, stroke symptoms, severe allergic reaction, or loss of consciousness. Going to A&E for non-urgent issues means very long waits (often 6–10+ hours) and contributes to overcrowding for people with genuine emergencies.
Alternatives to A&E
GP (daytime): For non-emergency illness, always see your GP first. They can prescribe medication and refer you to a consultant if needed. GPs typically see same-day appointments for urgent issues.
GP out-of-hours service: Services like Caredoc (outside Dublin) and D-Doc (Dublin) provide GP cover on evenings, weekends, and bank holidays. You call to arrange an appointment — much faster than A&E for non-life-threatening issues.
Pharmacy: Irish pharmacists are highly trained and can advise on many common conditions. For minor issues — skin conditions, cold and flu, minor infections — a pharmacist visit is free and often fast.
Injury units: Many hospitals have separate injury units for broken bones, cuts, and minor injuries that are often faster than A&E.
The A&E charge
Attending A&E without a GP referral costs €100 (2024 rate) for most adults. This charge is waived if you're admitted to hospital or have a medical card. Always bring your medical card or EHIC card if you have one.
General guidance only. Always verify with official sources — gov.ie, citizensinformation.ie, hse.ie.