Jakub
I have friends in other countries who have had bad experiences with government services, but things are different here. I called 999 when a colleague became really ill - I was amazed by how quickly they arrived and helped her.
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Scroll down the page to view the next sections: 'Calling emergency services' and 'Helpful phrases'.
Key information
1. In the event of an emergency, call 999
There is one number to call all emergency services - the Police, Fire or Ambulance service:
- It’s free to call 999
- They are available 24/7
- State which service you need after the call connects
2. If it’s not an emergency but you still need help, call 101
You can also visit your local police station for non-urgent crimes, such as having your phone stolen from your bag. Here are some details about the phone line:
- It's free to call 101
- They are available 24/7
- You can request an interpreter by saying your language aloud after the call connects
3. You do not need to speak English to get emergency help
When you dial 999, say your language aloud after the call connects to request an interpreter within minutes.
4. In a medical emergency, dial 999 or 112 or visit the ‘A&E’ department of your local hospital
Keep in mind that not all hospitals have an ‘Accident & Emergency’ department so check before you travel! A medical emergency is when a life is at risk. This includes:
- Severe chest pain, choking & breathing difficulties
- Severe bleeding
- Severe allergic reactions
- Loss of consciousness
5. Get in touch with the free ‘NHS 111 advice service’ if you’re unsure of where to go
Their service is free of charge and available 24/7 (interpreters are available on request). Trained advisors will ask you about your health problem and advise your next steps, for example, getting medication or going to a walk-in clinic. Get in touch by choosing one of the following options:
6. Use a free navigation app to search for the nearest emergency services
The quickest way to find local emergency services is to use a free navigation app like Google Maps. Enter keywords in the search bar, for example, ‘A&E’, ‘Police’
Calling emergency services
You should only call the emergency services in the event of an emergency!
- There is one number to call all emergency services, 999 - it’s free to call, the service is available 24/7 with interpreters available by request
- Take time to understand what to do when there are less urgent concerns
How can I get help from the emergency services?
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The Police Service
How should I contact them?
- Call 999 - ask for the ‘Police’ after the call connects
When should I contact them?
Call the Police Service if:
- A crime is in progress
- Someone suspected of a crime is nearby
- You are scared that a crime may be committed against you or someone else
I need help but it’s not an emergency
If your need is non-urgent, for example, your phone was stolen from your bag, you should visit your local police station or call 101:
- It's free to call
- They are available 24/7
- You can request an interpreter by saying your language aloud after the call connects
-
The Fire Service
How should I contact them?
- Call 999 - ask for the ‘Fire service’ after the call connects
When should I contact them?
Call the Fire Service if:
- You see a fire
- You are involved in a fire
I need help but it’s not an emergency
If your need is non-urgent, for example a cat is stuck in a tree, you should call 101.
- It's free to call
- They are available 24/7
- You can request an interpreter by saying your language aloud after the call connects
-
The Ambulance Service
How should I contact them?
- Call 999 - ask for the ‘Ambulance service’ after the call connects
- If you are able, you can also go directly to the ‘Accident and Emergency’ department of a local hospital
When should I contact them?
Call the Ambulance Service when a life is at risk. This includes:
- Severe chest pain, choking & breathing difficulties
- Severe bleeding
- Severe allergic reactions
- Loss of consciousness
I need help but it’s not an emergency
If your need is non-urgent, for example you’ve sprained your ankle, you should:
Calling the emergency services
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Step 1 - Call 999 free of charge
- Call 999
- You don’t need to speak English to get help - say your language aloud after the call connects to request an interpreter within minutes
- You can get help if you are unable to speak or hear by texting 999
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Step 2 - Say the emergency service you need aloud
The operator will ask which service you need: Fire, Police or Ambulance (medical). Say your answer aloud to be put through to the relevant emergency service.
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Step 3 - Explain what has happened
The operator will ask some questions to better understand what help you need and where you need it. Try to speak clearly and don’t panic - this will not delay you getting help. Here are the key details you should provide:
- Where you are calling from - if possible the full address with postcode
- The phone number you are calling from
- Details about what has happened
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Step 4 - Follow the operators’ instructions while help arrives
Try to stay calm while you wait for help. The operator may give you instructions, such as moving to a safe place, checking if the person is breathing, or staying near the door to receive the emergency services.
- You should only call 999 again if there is a change in circumstances that they should know about
Helpful phrases
Asking emergency services for help in your spoken language
My English is limited, please can I speak to someone in (insert language)
"Znam angielski niezbyt dobrze, czy mogę porozmawiać z kimś w (podaj język)
"Asking for help from the Police service
There has been a crime. Please can you send the police to help?
"Miało miejsce przestępstwo. Czy możecie przysłać policję?
"Asking for help from the Ambulance service
There has been a medical emergency. Please can you send an ambulance to help?
"Wystąpiła nagła konieczność medyczna. Czy możecie przysłać karetkę do pomocy?
"Asking for help from the Fire Service
There has been a fire. Please can I get help from the fire service?
"Pali się. Czy mogę prosić o pomoc straży pożarnej?
"Letting the emergency services operator know where you are calling from
My location is (insert location)
"Znajduję się w (podaj miejsce)
"Letting the emergency services operator know you’re unsure about your location
Unfortunately I don’t know the details of my location
"Niestety, nie wiem gdzie jestem
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