UK emergency
questions answered.

When should I call 999?

Call 999 when urgent emergency help is needed: someone is in immediate danger, there is a life-threatening medical emergency, a fire, serious violence, or a crime happening now. Do not wait for a situation to become worse before seeking emergency help.

Suspected heart attacks and strokes are medical emergencies. For urgent medical concerns without an apparent life-threatening emergency, call 111; use 101 for non-emergency police matters.

Sources: Police.uk emergency guidance · NHS: when to call 999

What happens when I call 999?

An operator asks which emergency service you need and connects you to its control room. Give the location, what has happened and a callback number. Listen carefully, answer the questions and follow the call handler’s instructions. Stay on the line until you are told you can end the call.

NHS: what happens when you call

Which services can I request through 999?

You can request Police, Fire & Rescue, Ambulance or Coastguard. For Mountain Rescue, ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue. If you are unsure which service is needed, explain the emergency to the operator.

Mountain Rescue: requesting help · HM Coastguard

What is the difference between 999 and 112?

In the UK, both numbers reach the emergency service. There is no need to switch numbers to get a faster response. Choose either in an emergency.

Mountain Rescue emergency contact guidance

When should I call 101 instead of 999?

Use 101 for police matters that do not need an immediate emergency response, such as a non-urgent enquiry or an update to an existing report. Your local force may also offer online reporting. If someone is in immediate danger or a crime is happening now, call 999 instead.

Police.uk: 999 and 101

When should I use NHS 111?

Use NHS 111 for urgent medical advice when the situation is not life-threatening, or when you are unsure what medical help you need. Call 999 for an apparent life-threatening emergency.

The 111 online service is for England. Telephone services and online options differ across the UK; follow your nation’s official NHS guidance.

NHS emergency guidance

What if I accidentally call 999?

Stay on the line and explain that the call was accidental and you do not need help. Simply hanging up can leave the operator unsure whether there is an emergency.

Police.uk accidental-call advice

How can the police help me in an emergency?

Police can protect people facing immediate danger, respond to violence and crimes in progress, and manage urgent incidents such as dangerous road collisions. Officers assess what is happening and work with other services where needed. Call 999 and ask for Police when urgent police help is required.

Police.uk: police emergencies

How can Fire & Rescue help me in an emergency?

Fire & Rescue responds to fires and carries out specialist rescues, including helping people trapped after collisions. Services also deal with incidents involving flooding or hazardous materials, depending on local capabilities. Call 999 and ask for Fire & Rescue. Do not put yourself in danger to investigate an incident.

London Fire Brigade: emergency response

How can the ambulance service help me in an emergency?

Ambulance call handlers assess urgent medical calls and can give instructions while help is arranged. Responders can assess and treat patients and arrange hospital care when needed. Calling 999 does not automatically mean an ambulance will be sent; the response depends on the assessed need.

NHS: ambulance response

How can the Coastguard help me in an emergency?

HM Coastguard coordinates search and rescue at sea and around the coast, including emergencies on cliffs, beaches and tidal areas. It can arrange the appropriate rescue resources. Call 999 and ask for Coastguard if someone is in danger at the coast or at sea.

HM Coastguard emergency guidance

How can Mountain Rescue help me in an emergency?

Mountain Rescue teams help people who are injured, lost or in danger in hills, mountains and other difficult terrain. Teams can search, provide casualty care and help move people to safety. Call 999 or 112, ask for Police and then request Mountain Rescue.

Mountain Rescue: how to request help

Are my emergency calls recorded?

Emergency services routinely record calls and log incident information. Records can support managing an incident, reviewing care or service quality, and investigations where appropriate. How information is used and retained depends on the organisation’s policy; there is no single retention period for every service.

For details about your call, consult the relevant service’s privacy notice. Treble9 does not handle or record your emergency call.

Example: London Ambulance Service privacy notice

Can emergency services locate me?

Location information from your phone or network may help emergency services find you. Supported smartphones can send enhanced location information during an emergency call, but availability and accuracy vary. Do not assume they know your exact location.

Give your address, postcode, nearby landmarks or a map reference if available. Tell the handler which floor, entrance or access route is needed. Explain if you are away from the incident or if your location changes.

Android: Emergency Location Service · NHS: location information

What if I do not know my exact location?

Call for help and say that you are unsure where you are. Describe nearby signs, roads, buildings or landmarks. If you already have a map reference or coordinates, share them. Follow the handler’s questions; do not delay calling to install an app or move somewhere unsafe.

Mountain Rescue: location and call information

What information should I give the call handler?

Start with where help is needed and what has happened. Give your callback number and answer questions about the people involved and any immediate hazards. If you do not know an answer, say so rather than guessing.

NHS: questions during a 999 call

How can I get emergency help if I am deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment?

Options include 999 BSL for British Sign Language users, Relay UK for text-relay communication, and emergencySMS for registered mobile numbers. Choose the service that suits your communication needs. Prepare any necessary setup before an emergency, and use the providers’ official instructions.

Relay UK emergency options · 999 BSL

How do I use 999 BSL?

999 BSL connects Deaf BSL users to an interpreter by video, allowing the interpreter to relay the emergency conversation. Access the official app or website and use its emergency-call option. A working internet connection is needed for video.

Visit the official 999 BSL service

How do I contact 999 through Relay UK?

Use the emergency button in the Relay UK app, or call 18000 with Relay UK or a textphone. A relay assistant helps exchange messages with the emergency call handler. For emergency calls, 18000 is used rather than the ordinary 18001 prefix.

Official Relay UK emergency instructions

Can I text 999?

The emergencySMS service is available for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment. Your mobile number must be registered beforehand. Text “register” to 999, follow the replies and wait for confirmation that registration has succeeded.

In an emergency, include the required service, what happened and the location. Wait for a reply from the emergency service: a delivery receipt is not confirmation that help is arranged. SMS can be slower than voice or relay calls. Follow the provider’s advice if no reply arrives.

EmergencySMS registration and use