If it’s too dangerous to talk to a 999 operator you need to remember Silent Solution 55
IF you find yourself in a dangerous situation and need to call the police but can't speak, there's a way to communicate in silence.
Silent Solutions is the procedure to follow, and it decides whether or not to send help. The problem is that most people don't know it exists... we've got all the information you need to know.
How do you call the police on 999 when you can't speak?
When you phone 999 (or 112), an operator will ask what emergency service you need.
If there is no answer, the operator will then ask you to cough, or make another audible sign that you're in need of police assistance.
If you're in too much danger to make any sound at all, the call will be put through to an automated system which asks the caller to press 55 if they're in danger.
If 55 isn't dialled, the police will not be dispatched.
What is Silent Solution 55?
Silent solution 55 is the name given to the initiative that allows people to call 999 when they aren't able to speak.
The police have been using the system for more than 15 years in order to help operators identify which calls are genuine and which are accidental.
Can you text 999?
You are able to text the emergency services if you are unable to call them.
This service was set up for those who have speech difficulties or hearing loss.
Just send your text to 999 from your mobile phone that the message will be picked up by one of the emergency service operators.
What do the police say about the silent 999 calls?
A police spokesperson told the : "Please do not think that just because you dial 999 that police will attend.
"We totally understand that sometimes people are unable or too afraid to talk, however it must be clear that we will not routinely attend a silent 999 call.
"There must be some indication that the call has not been mis-dialled."
