Well, I bet 999
is at the top of your list. Introduced over 80 years ago, it’s the number most people know will link them to the Police, Ambulance or Fire Service. It's also the primary number in 20 countries worldwide, including the UK, of course! But did you know you can also contact all of the following using the same number:
- Coastguard
- Mountain Rescue (you must first ask for the Police)
- Lowland Rescue
- Cave Rescue
- Moorland Search and Rescue
- Quicksand Search and Rescue (Morecambe Bay)
- Mine Rescue
- Bomb Disposal
112
came along in April 1995 and it does the same job as
999
– so why have we also got
112? It is the common number across the EU (including the UK), so whichever country you’re in it will put you through to the local emergency services. It’s since expanded to over 100 countries –
you can find the list of countries which use it here.
In the UK, neither 112
or 999
takes precedence – you’ll be put through to the same operator on the same phone line whichever number you call.
Did you know that 911
also works in the UK and goes through to the same call centre as 999?
Calls to both 999
and 112
are free of charge. The first question you’ll be asked is which service you require – you can ask the operator for advice if you’re unsure. If you need more than one, ask for any of the services you need and they will automatically dispatch the other services needed, too.
No signal? Well, for most areas of the UK, you will still receive a signal to make a call to the emergency services as the nearest, strongest signal will automatically pick up the call and put you through.
However, it’s also useful to be able to TEXT 999
– but you will need to set this up in advance. Text the word ‘Register’ to 999
and wait for the return text, which will ask you to confirm that you wish to set up your phone number to be able to text 999. Follow the prompts and your phone will be registered. Why might you want to text 999?
You might possibly be in a dangerous situation and not wish or be able to speak, or if your location has particularly low signal even for an emergency call or you have little battery left, a text has more chance of getting through than a call. If you are often in the outdoors, you might also want to download the free ‘What3Words’ app which will provide you with accurate location information to pass onto the emergency services. They may also triangulate your phone signal from either a call or text to roughly locate you.
If it's too dangerous to speak (possibly a violent situation) or you cannot speak due to choking, for example, you can phone 999
and when the call is answered, press ‘55’ – this will alert the operator to your situation and they will respond accordingly.
For non-emergency medical help, 111
is the number to call and can offer you advice, out of hours appointments for both doctors and dentists, and information about pharmacies which are open, for example.
For non-emergency police assistance, 101
will connect you with the police call centre to report incidents such as damaged property, stolen vehicles or property, suspected drug crime, etc. but if a crime is in progress, you should always use 999.