EMERGENCY CALLS BY TEXT MESSAGE?
If you have hearing loss or difficulty with speech and are unable to make a voicemail call to the emergency services (or if you want to cover all eventualities) then you can send a text (SMS) message to the emergency services - HOWEVER - you need to register, just once and it lasts indefinitely. DO IT NOW - don't wait for an emergency.
This service works across all UK mobile phone networks but cannot be used outside the UK.
EMERGENCY CALLS BY BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE (BSL)?
This new service went live on 17th June 2022 to enable those using BSL to communicate with the 999 emergency services. In a nutshell you use either a smart phone with the 999BSL App or a computer with inbuilt camera to communicate with a BSL trained call handler. To download the App visit
https://999bsl.co.uk/download/
or call from the website
https://999bsl.co.uk/
IN AN EMERGENCY BUT TOO DANGEROUS TO SPEAK TO 999 OPERATOR?
Not many people are aware of the '55' Silent Solution protocol which has been operating for more than 10 years.
Here's what to do.
Dial 999 and when the operator asks which service you require either cough or tap the phone to signal that this is an emergency call. If you are too scared to do this then wait until the call is put through to an automated system and dial '55'. This will tell the emergency services that this is a genuine call and they will respond.
Failing to cough, tap or dial '55' will probably mean that the call will be regarded as malicious and there will be no response.
CAUGHT UP IN A TERRORIST INCIDENT. WOULD YOU KNOW HOW TO HELP?
Get the free Citizen Aid App.