Silent Calls to the Emergency Services: How to Proceed
If you’re in a situation where speaking may place you in jeopardy or you’re experiencing certain medical conditions that inhibit your speech, it’s crucial to know how to make a silent call to the emergency services.
Using a Mobile Phone
- Dialling: Call 999 or 112.
- Prompt Response: If you don’t respond verbally, press 55 when prompted. This action transfers your call to the police.
- Limitations: Note that pressing 55 is a mobile-only feature and doesn’t grant the police the ability to pinpoint your location. However, they’ll be able to listen to the background noise.
- Communication: The police may ask you binary questions. You might whisper your answers or use your phone’s keypad to make audible beeps to respond.
- No Action: If you don’t press 55, the call will be terminated to minimise accidental or hoax calls.
Using a Landline
- Immediate Transfer: If you dial 999 and don’t communicate, the operator will discern only background noise. Consequently, your call will be transferred to the police.
- Connection Duration: Even if you hang up the phone, the connection may remain active for 45 seconds in case you need to resume communication.
- Location Benefits: One advantage of using a landline is that it automatically provides the police with data about your location.
Seek Further Guidance
For more on first aid training or equipment, ring 01206 805359, or email support@protrainings.uk. Also, you can explore www.protrainings.uk for training resources and www.first-aid-online.co.uk for equipment information.