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Calling 999 for the emergency services
Calling 999 in the UK connects you to the emergency services and the process generally follows these steps:
Connection to an operator and routing the call
You are connected to an operator who will ask "Which service do you require?" The main options are Police, Ambulance and Fire Brigade. The operator connects you to the appropriate emergency service based on your choice. If you're unsure which service to request, the operator will ask questions to determine the most suitable service. There is also the Coastguard and, in some cases, Mountain Rescue – but it’s unlikely you will need these in London!
Speaking to emergency services and action taken
Once connected, you'll speak to a trained dispatcher. They'll ask questions to gather critical information, including:
- The nature of the emergency, eg: "What has happened?"
- The location, eg: Where are you? If you're unsure, they may use tools like GPS or ask for landmarks.
- Details of people involved, eg: injuries, descriptions, etc
The emergency services will despatch the necessary service to your location. For medical emergencies, they may offer advice while an ambulance is on the way. For crime-related issues, they may advise on safety measures until the police arrive.
If you cannot speak (Silent Solution)
Should you be unable to talk to the operator during an emergency call because speaking would put you in a dangerous situation, you can use the Silent Solution. This means you can request help without speaking.
Dial 999 then press 55.
Non-urgent situations
For non-urgent situations, use these alternative numbers:
- 101: Non-emergency police matters
- 111: Non-emergency medical advice
Calling 999 should only be made in emergencies where there is a risk to life, property, or serious crime is occurring. Misuse of the service can lead to penalties.
Hanging up
If you accidentally call 999, stay on the line and inform the operator that there is no emergency. Hanging up without explanation might prompt a call-back or investigation.