Would you know how to phone 999 if you are in danger and cannot speak? How to get help if you are abroad and don’t speak the language? What to do if you can’t hear? Do you know the best way of getting help in an emergency wherever you are? Or if a situation is an emergency, but is not life threatening, would you know which number to call then? Our handy guide can help you get appropriate assistance, whether you are home or abroad.
When do I dial 999?
999 is the main emergency number for police, ambulance, fire brigade, coastguard, cliff rescue, mountain rescue, cave rescue. It should only be called in an emergency.
Start giving first aid immediately whilst waiting for help – we have written a clear guide as to what to do in those first vital minutes.
You may also find our ‘When to call an ambulance’ poster helpful for quickly recognising when a situation needs 999 assistance.
When do I dial 112?
This number can be dialled from a mobile phone anywhere in the world. Should you need emergency help next time you are on holiday abroad, you don’t need to know the dialling code or emergency number for the country you are visiting.
Dialling 112 will direct you to exactly the same emergency call centre as if you had phoned the country’s emergency number.
In some countries the mobile phone doesn’t even need to have a SIM card in to dial 112.
If you are unsure of your location, the operator will be able to locate you.
112 can also be used in some countries outside of the EU including Switzerland and South Africa.
In the EU emergency call centres must offer a translations service so you can communicate clearly even if you don’t speak the language spoken.
What if I need medical help but it’s not urgent?
Calling NHS 111: When it is less urgent than 999 but you still need medical help call 111. Here call handlers use specialist computer software to provide the caller with an appropriate response to their non-emergency health issues.
The police have another non emergency number – 101
How to phone 999 if you are in danger and cannot speak or make noise?
If you are in danger but it is not safe to speak and you must contact the emergency services, you need to use the ‘silent solution’ the emergency services use to filter out accidental calls.
Although this has been in existence for the last 15 years, many people remain unaware of its existence.
If you call 999 and remain silent, the call operator may think it is an accidental dial or a prank call and will terminate the call.
However, by coughing or tapping in 55 on the keypad signals to the call operator you are in danger, and you need police support sent to your location.
What if I need to call 999 but I’m deaf, hearing impaired, have a speech impediment or can’t speak as it’s unsafe?
If you’re deaf, hearing impaired or have a speech impediment you can contact emergency services via text (SMS).
If you find yourself in a situation where it is not safe to speak, you can also text 999. This process can take longer than calling them directly.
However, you must already be registered with the emergency SMS service. To sign up for the service text ‘register’ to 999 and you will be sent some instructions to follow.
In case of an emergency, create a text containing the name of the service you require, what the problem is and the location.
Go to the emergency SMS website for more information or to register your phone.
Contacting NHS using https://www.ngts.org.uk/how-to-use-ngt/contact-999-using-ngt.html
Calling 999 when English isn’t your first language
Foreign language interpreters can be supplied if needed.
ICE – In Case of Emergency
It is vital emergency responders rescuers or doctors can contact your next of kin.
The difficulty is most mobiles are password-protected so gaining access to the information isn’t always straightforward. The ICE app (In Case of Emergency) lets you put your emergency information on your lock screen so it can be accessed by anyone needing it.
As well as saving your next of kin’s number, it can also save information about your medical conditions, any medications you take, your blood type, allergies etc.
Good to know
Have you ever wondered what those signs are on the motorway verges, which have a list of numbers of them? They are the quickest way of getting your location so the emergency services don’t waste vital minutes trying to locate you.
Our Emergency Life Support course, will help you stay calm and know what to do when every second counts.
Other useful phone numbers
Non-emergency calls to the police in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland please telephone 101.
Action Fraud – 0300 123 2040
Anti-terrorist Hotline – 0800 789 321
Crimestoppers – 0800 555 111
National Crime Agency – 0370 496 7622
National Police Air Service – 01924 292 252
NSPCC Helpline – 808 800 5000
Victim Supportline – 08 08 16 89 111
It is strongly advised that you attend a Practical or online First Aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency. Please visit www.firstaidforlife.org.uk emma@firstaidforlife.org.uk or tel 0208 675 4036 for more information about our courses.
First Aid for life provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. First Aid for Life is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information.
Written by Emma Hammett RGN, CEO of First Aid for Life
Tel: 0208 675 4036 www.firstaidforlife.org.uk
First Aid for Life is an award winning First Aid training business that is HSE and Ofqual Approved through Qualsafe Awards. Our trainers are medical and emergency services professionals and our training is tailored to your needs
0 Comments