Using 999 with speech or hearing impairment

If you cannot make voice calls, you can contact the 999 emergency services by SMS text from your mobile phone.

You will only be able to use this service if you have registered with emergencySMS first. Please register now: don't wait for an emergency.

 

To register, text 'register' to 999. You will get a reply - then follow the instructions you are sent.

When you text 999 in an emergency

We need to know:

> Who?
Police, Ambulance, Fire and Rescue or Coastguard.

> What?
Briefly, what is the problem.

> Where?
Exactly where the problem is happening - give the name of the road, house number, postcode or nearby landmark, if possible.

What happens next?

The emergency service will either ask for more information or will tell you that help is on the way.

Don't assume that your message has been received until the emergency service sends a message back.

It will usually take about two minutes before you get a reply. If you don't get a reply within three minutes, please try again or find other ways of getting help.

For more information, visit www.emergencysms.org.uk or click here to download the emergencySMS leaflet.