What to do if…
several close family members are seriously injured in the same incident

What to do now

1. If emergency services are not already dealing with the incident, call 999. Give the exact location, briefly explain what happened, say that several people are injured, mention any continuing hazards and provide your telephone number.
2. Follow the call handler’s instructions. If you are at the scene, remain in the safe place responders direct you to and promptly report if anyone is unconscious, not breathing normally, bleeding heavily, trapped or getting worse.
3. Make one written list of each injured family member’s full name, date of birth if known, telephone number and last confirmed location. Do not delay an emergency call while gathering these details.
4. Record only confirmed information: where each person was taken, which hospital or ward is involved, who provided the information and when. Mark anything uncertain as unconfirmed.
5. Ask one trusted adult to act as the main family contact. Ask them to update other relatives so fewer people make repeated calls for the same information.
6. Use contact details published by the police, emergency services or hospital. If a dedicated family information number is announced, use it. Otherwise, contact the relevant hospital through its official website or switchboard and follow its instructions.
7. Arrange immediate practical cover for children, dependent adults, pets and essential medicines. Ask another person to drive, accompany you or bring basic items such as identification, a phone charger and your own necessary medication.
8. At the hospital, ask staff where relatives should wait, who can receive updates and what visiting arrangements apply. Staff may need the patient’s permission before sharing confidential medical information.
9. Ask someone to stay with you if you are alone, too distressed to drive or struggling to take in information. If you cannot keep yourself or someone else safe, call 999 or go to A&E.