When you dial 999 and can't speak

[Kay]

I'd never heard of this: [removed]

Basically, if you dial 999 but can't talk, you can cough to alert the operator to the fact that it's a genuine call, and they'll investigate.

But if you can't even do that, if you dial 55 once you're put through to the operating system.

Might be worth knowing if you're ever in a sticky situation.

[amy]

Kay, I don't know quite what made you think it was fine to include a press link here but I'm sure there is a direct NHS/police/emergency services page or similar that has information about this if anybody wants to check it out.

Either way, the address on it's own for people to copy and paste into the address bar is fine - as per the rules, please do not post clickable links on this forum.

[Kay]

Sorry Amy, had a brain fart there re. the link.

But I'd never heard of this, so assumed others might not have either.

[Rosie13]

I only found this out yesterday too, useful to know.

[peachybum]

I've just read about this on twitter too. First time I've heard of it also has a story about it not working for one lady a non sex worker so don't know if it's an actual thing or not. I hope so!  Also hope no one has to use it! Xxx

[Caledonia]

My local radio station have posted an article about it on Facebook.

[Shewolf]

It's useful to know so thanks but I was wondering...

If you are in a situation whereby you can't speak (i.e not wanting to draw attention to the fact you are ringing the oinks), why would you cough?

[VoluptuousCurves]

It's useful to know so thanks but I was wondering...

If you are in a situation whereby you can't speak (i.e not wanting to draw attention to the fact you are ringing the oinks), why would you cough?

I suppose you could try faking a nervous cough, but it would probably be just as effective to say clearly "I'll give you the money, just please don't hurt me" or whatever is appropriate.

Also most phones by default make quite a loud tone when you hit the numbers so you'd want to turn that off in the settings. Worth remembering. Because what's the point of your phone going "do-dee-do-dit-da" when you dial anyway? You can see the numbers you're typing...

[Kay]

It's useful to know so thanks but I was wondering...

If you are in a situation whereby you can't speak (i.e not wanting to draw attention to the fact you are ringing the oinks), why would you cough?

It's just to acknowledge that you're there and need help, but can't actually say so. If you cough, they take the call seriously. If not it goes through to a second line system and then just written off as a fake/mistake call if I understand it correctly.

[katrina]

It's just to acknowledge that you're there and need help, but can't actually say so. If you cough, they take the call seriously. If not it goes through to a second line system and then just written off as a fake/mistake call if I understand it correctly.

Well maybe the rules have been changed but I heard of a woman who was a victim of domestic violence for some time (the police knew about it) Her partner held her against her will but she was able to call 999...She never got the chance to speak or make any noise so the emergency service never responded and she was killed. In their defence they get tons of these type of calls daily so not sure if new amendments to the procedure have been added since then

[Rosie13]

Well maybe the rules have been changed but I heard of a woman who was a victim of domestic violence for some time (the police knew about it) Her partner held her against her will but she was able to call 999...She never got the chance to speak or make any noise so the emergency service never responded and she was killed. In their defence they get tons of these type of calls daily so not sure if new amendments to the procedure have been added since then

For precisely the reason you mention that they get lots of these calls, the article mentioned that some people incorrectly think just dialling 999 means someone will appear at your door. If you make some sort of acknowledgement that you're on the line to the operator, they're not allowed to disconnect the call.

[katrina]

For precisely the reason you mention that they get lots of these calls, the article mentioned that some people incorrectly think just dialling 999 means someone will appear at your door. If you make some sort of acknowledgement that you're on the line to the operator, they're not allowed to disconnect the call.

The other problem the emergency services have is that with so many people having 'smart' phones is that they easily go off in peoples bag etc (its happened to me before) Its a good thing that if they have been able to take steps to recognise an actual call for help.


When we get 'no shows' and false calls its an inconvenience but puts things into perspective when you realise that these people are dealing with literally life and death day in day out. (sorry for going off topic!)

[Caledonia]

Its when it goes to the second line system you dial 55 according to what I've read.

[Shewolf]

Well maybe the rules have been changed but I heard of a woman who was a victim of domestic violence for some time (the police knew about it) Her partner held her against her will but she was able to call 999...She never got the chance to speak or make any noise so the emergency service never responded and she was killed. In their defence they get tons of these type of calls daily so not sure if new amendments to the procedure have been added since then

Surely it would make more sense for women to know that if they press an extra number once the call is answered, the police will know they can't physically make a noise at of any sort but are in danger.

[katrina]

I'm a bit reluctant to add any more to this thread, just thinking due to the safety aspect it might be more suitable for a private forum..