When to Go to A&E in Singapore: How to Know What’s Urgent

When sudden symptoms appear, it can be hard to know what to do next. You may be worried about your health or a loved one’s, while also wondering whether the situation truly requires a trip to A&E or if another option would be more appropriate.

These moments of uncertainty are very common. This guide offers clear, practical guidance on when A&E care is essential in Singapore, so you can make informed decisions quickly and confidently, without unnecessary delays or added stress.

When to go to A&E immediately or call 995

A&E is for serious medical emergencies when your life or long-term health is at risk and you need help right away.

It’s best to go to the A&E department immediately or call 995 for an ambulance if you or someone you're with has any of these symptoms:

• Severe bleeding

• Shortness of breath

• Severe chest pain

• Loss of consciousness

• Repeated seizures, or a seizure that lasts more than a few minutes

• Signs of stroke: sudden weakness on one side of your body, facial drooping, or difficulty speaking

• Serious injuries from accidents, falls, or traffic incidents

• Large or severe burns

If any of these happen, don't wait to see if it gets better, and don't try to manage it at home. Get emergency help straight away, as it could save a life.

Special considerations for different groups

Some groups may need medical attention sooner, even when symptoms don’t seem dramatic at first:

• Children

• Pregnant women

• Older adults

This is because serious illness can develop faster in these groups or show up in less obvious ways.

Babies and children

If you're worried about your baby or child, trust your instincts, as you know them best. 

Bring them to A&E if they have any of these symptoms:

• Breathing difficulty: gasping for air, or lips turning blue

• Repeated vomiting along with dehydration signs, such as:

  • Dry mouth or chapped lips

  • Fewer wet nappies than usual (for babies), or dark, strong-smelling urine

  • Being unusually irritable, cranky, or very sleepy

  • Crying with few or no tears

• A seizure

• Not waking up or not responding to you

• High fever with a stiff neck

• A rash that's spreading quickly

• For babies: seeming unusually floppy, very difficult to wake, or refusing feeds

If something doesn’t feel right, trust that instinct and get your child checked. It’s always better to bring your child in and have a doctor’s calm voice and clear answers than to hold them in your arms and carry the worry with you through a long, sleepless night.

Pregnant women

If you're pregnant, go to the emergency department straight away if you experience:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding

• Severe pain in tummy

• Sudden swelling in face or hands, especially along with headache or blurred vision

• Your baby moves much less than usual

These symptoms could mean something needs urgent attention. Your medical team would rather make sure everything's okay.

Elderly

In older people, sometimes a sudden change is the first warning sign that something's wrong.

Bring an older person to A&E if they have:

• Sudden confusion or not acting like themselves

• Falling repeatedly, or a bad fall

• Severe weakness

• Can't stand up or walk safely on their own

• A rapid change in their usual behaviour or personality

• Uncontrolled bleeding

These changes can be signs of infection, stroke, or other serious conditions that need treatment quickly.

Should you call 995 or drive to A&E yourself?

It’s better to call 995 for an ambulance if the person:

• Is unconscious or unresponsive

• Is struggling to breathe

• Is having a seizure

• Is bleeding heavily

• Is too unwell to move safely or sit in a car

When you call 995, paramedics can start treatment on the way to hospital and make sure you get to the right place quickly.

If the person is conscious, breathing normally, and able to travel, you can drive them to A&E yourself, but only if it's safe to do so and you can get there quickly.

Can you choose which A&E to go to?

In a medical emergency, it’s best to go to the nearest A&E or call 995 straight away. Getting help quickly matters more than anything else, and every minute counts when someone's seriously unwell.

In case the situation is urgent but stable, which means that the person needs medical attention soon but isn't in immediate danger, you might have more flexibility to choose. 

You could consider things like:

• Current waiting times at different A&Es

• Your insurance coverage and which hospitals are covered

• Whether you've been treated at a particular hospital before (especially if they have your medical records)

But if you're in any doubt about how serious it is, going to the nearest A&E or calling for help remains the safest choice.

How long will you wait at A&E?

When you arrive at the emergency centre, you won't necessarily be seen in the order you arrived. Instead, a nurse will quickly assess how urgent your condition is to make sure that anyone who's critically ill gets help immediately.

You'll be assigned to one of four priority groups based on how serious your symptoms are:

• P1 (Priority 1): Life-threatening conditions that you'll be seen straight away

• P2 (Priority 2): Serious conditions that you'll usually be seen within 30 minutes

• P3 (Priority 3): Conditions that need attention soon with 1-2 hours waiting

• P4 (Priority 4): Safe to wait for 3-4 hours for minor issues

If you're asked to wait, it means the medical team has assessed that your condition is stable enough to wait safely, and emergency cases need help more urgently right now.

Will you be turned away if it's not serious enough?

The A&E team will always assess you to make sure you're safe and there's nothing that needs urgent attention.

In case they find that your condition is stable and not immediately urgent, a few things might happen:

• You may be asked to wait in the waiting area until there's capacity to see you

• You might be advised that your issue would be better looked at a GP clinic or Urgent Care C entre (UCC), where you could be seen more quickly

It's always okay to seek help if you're worried. The medical team would rather check you over and reassure you than have you stay at home worrying or getting worse. You can also go to a UCC if you need medical help but your symptoms aren't life-threatening, which might see you more quickly and often at a lower cost.

When you or someone you love is unwell, fear and uncertainty can make every decision feel heavy. Trust that you’re doing your best, and remember, you’re never overreacting for wanting to protect your health and your family. The right place for care is simply the place that gives you reassurance, clarity, and support when you need it most.

FAQ

What time is A&E least busy?

A&E tends to be quieter in the early morning hours on weekdays. But this can change quickly if there's a sudden influx of emergencies, so it's never guaranteed to be quiet.

Can I go to A&E if I feel unwell?

Yes, if you're worried about your health, A&E will assess you to make sure you're safe. However, if your symptoms aren't urgent or life-threatening, you'll likely have a longer wait while more critical cases are seen first.

Who gets prioritised in A&E?

People with life-threatening or very serious conditions are always prioritised, no matter when they arrived. This means someone who comes in after you might be seen before you if their condition is more critical.

Should I go to A&E if I’m not sure whether my symptoms are serious?

If you're genuinely worried, it's okay to go and get checked. The medical team would rather see you and reassure you than have you delay treatment for something serious.

How much does A&E cost in Singapore?

It depends on whether you go to a public or private hospital and whether you're a Singaporean, a permanent resident, or a foreigner. If you have insurance, check your policy to see what's covered. Some plans cover A&E visits, especially if you're admitted afterwards.

What’s the difference between public and private A&E departments in Singapore?

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations based on your medical conditions, request an appointment with Thomson Medical.