What is emergencySMS?
If you cannot make voice calls, you can now contact the 999 emergency services by SMS text from your mobile phone. EmergencySMS is part of the standard 999 service which has been designed specifically for people with hearing loss or difficulty with speech.
What is an emergency?
Please do not non-emergency texts. Only use emergencySMS for real emergencies:
For example, if:
- Someone’s life is at risk
- A crime is happening now
- Someone is injured or threatened
- There is a fire or people are trapped
- You need an ambulance urgently
- Someone is in trouble on the cliffs, on the shoreline or is missing at sea
This service works throughout the UK on all mobile networks, it cannot be used abroad.
How do I use emergencySMS?
You will only be able to use this service if you have registered with emergencySMS first.
Register now: don’t wait for an emergency
To register, text the word ‘register’ to 999.
You will then receive a reply about the service and given further instructions.
The emergencySMS service has been developed by RNID, BT, Cable & Wireless, the Department of Communities and Local Government, OFCOM, the UK emergency services and all mobile network operators.