Calling 999

Calling 999 might feel scary, but it can help keep you safe. We’ve got advice to make it easier.

On this page

When should I call 999?

You should always call 999 in an emergency. This includes:

  • when someone’s life is in danger or is unsafe right now
  • someone is hurting you right now or threatening to hurt you
  • if someone has been seriously hurt
  • when a crime is being committed right now or someone is being put in danger.

Calling 999 directly is the best way to get the police, an ambulance, or the fire brigade to you as quickly as possible.

What does being unsafe mean?

Talking to the police at other times

Getting medical advice when it’s not an emergency

5 things to remember:

  • Calling 999 is for emergencies
  • You can phone 999 for free from any phone
  • When you call, focus on the important details and your location
  • Listen to what the 999 operator tells you to do and stay on the phone
  • You’ll be taken seriously and the people you speak to will want to help.

don't know
WHAT
to do

Just want to talk? We’re here to listen

What happens when you call 999?

When you first call, you’ll be asked which service you need. You can ask for either the police, fire, coastguard, or an ambulance.

The person you speak to will ask you lots of questions. This is to help them get all of the information they need, find out where you are, and get the right help to you as quickly as possible. They may also give you instructions of what to do or places to go to help make sure you’re safe.

If you’re worried or scared, it can help to tell them how you’re feeling and how old you are when you first get through. Try to focus on exactly the reason you’re calling, remember that there will be time to give more details later.

What if I can’t talk?

Will I get in trouble?

The operator may ask you:

  • What’s happened
  • Where you are
  • Your name, age and date of birth
  • Your postcode
  • Whether the person you’re calling about is breathing
  • Any landmarks near you.

If you’re not sure where you are, try to give as much information about it as possible.

Tips for calling 999

You don’t need to prepare before you call 999, but sometimes it can help to have important information ready.

When you’re calling 999, it can help to:

  • Focus on the important information
    The person you speak to wants to get you support as quickly as possible, which means they’ll want to focus on where you are and exactly what’s making you unsafe right now.
  • Let them know how old you are or if it’s hard to talk
    If the person you’re speaking to knows that you’re younger or it’s harder to talk, then it can help them to give you the best support.
  • Have important information ready
    You can always still call if you don’t have all the information, but it can make things faster if you have your location, full name, and date of birth ready when you call. You could try making a safety plan with any information you might need.
  • Stay on the phone and do what they say
    Listen carefully to what you’re told to do, ask if you’re not sure, and don’t hang up unless they tell you to go.