Emergencies in the UK: 999 and 111

The number 999 is for real emergencies: danger to life, a crime happening now, fire, a serious accident, or a person who has lost consciousness or suffers severe chest pain, breathing difficulty or heavy bleeding.

• And 112 works in the same way.
• The number 111 is the NHS service for urgent health advice for non-life-threatening cases (high fever, continuous pain or a problem that cannot wait for a GP), and is open around the clock and offers interpreters.
• And 101 is to report to the police a non-emergency matter (a theft that happened yesterday, vandalism or information).
• And 116 123 is for the Samaritans for someone feeling distress.
• And to report a crime anonymously 0800 555 111 (Crimestoppers).
• And in domestic abuse cases 0808 2000 247.
• Save them in your phone.

When calling 999 remain calm and answer: Ambulance, Police or Fire.

• The operator transfers you to the service, and will ask: what happened?
• And where are you (the address or nearest landmark or postcode)?
• And who is injured, how old and is he breathing?
• And what is your phone number?
• Speak slowly and clearly, answer the questions and do not hang up until told.
• If you do not speak English well state your language and you will be connected to an interpreter.
• If you cannot speak (danger or fear) call and press 55 so that the police understand that you are in danger and the call is real (the Silent Solution).
• And for the deaf and hard of hearing the emergencySMS text service after registration by sending 999 as a message.
• And the what3words app helps determine your location precisely.
• And stay in a safe place.

In a serious injury: call 999 first, then give first aid according to the operator's instructions.

• For heavy bleeding press firmly on the wound with a clean cloth.
• For someone not breathing begin CPR: compressions on the centre of the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute and the operator will guide you.
• For burns cool the skin with cold running water for 20 minutes and do not put ointments or butter.
• For choking encourage coughing then back blows.
• For stroke remember FAST: Face, Arm, Speech and Time to call 999.
• And defibrillators exist in public places and can be used with instructions.
• Do not move a casualty with a neck or back injury except in danger.
• And tell the paramedics of the patient's medicines and allergies.

In a fire: get out at once and do not gather your belongings, close the doors behind you, tell everyone, and call 999 from outside.

• Do not use the lift.
• And if the smoke is dense crawl near the floor.
• Test the smoke alarm weekly, and prepare an evacuation plan and tell your family about it. In a crime in progress or personal danger call 999 and say Police, move away from danger, and do not try to confront.
• In a road accident with injuries or danger call 999, and do not move the cars if there are injured, and switch on the hazard lights.
• Exchange insurance information, name and vehicle number with the other party and record photos.
• And in a theft or offence without immediate danger report via 101 or the police website, and ask for a crime reference number for an insurance claim.

Domestic abuse is a crime in Britain, and you have the right to protection regardless of immigration status.

• If you are in immediate danger call 999.
• For non-emergency call the national domestic abuse helpline (0808 2000 247) which is free, continuous and available in several languages, or organisations such as Refuge, Women's Aid and Southall Black Sisters.
• And you can request a refuge for you and your children.
• And for migrant women whose status depends on the partner there are special rules (the Destitution Domestic Violence concession).
• And in a mental health crisis call the Samaritans on 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258.
• After an incident keep the reference numbers, speak to your doctor, and request psychological support if needed.
• And you may receive compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme as a victim of a violent crime.

What is the life-threatening emergency number?