Introduction
The UK has well-organised emergency services to keep people safe. Knowing what to do in an emergency could save a life.
Emergency Numbers
- 999 - the main emergency number (works from any phone)
- 112 - the European emergency number (also works in the UK)
- 101 - non-emergency police number
- 111 - NHS non-emergency number (for medical advice)
When to Call 999
Call 999 if there is a threat to life, a crime in progress, or an urgent situation:
- Someone is seriously injured or in danger
- There is a fire
- A crime is being committed
- Someone is having a medical emergency
- A road accident with injuries
The Police
The police maintain law and order. In an emergency, police will respond quickly.
- England and Wales have 43 police forces
- Police Scotland covers Scotland
- Police Service of Northern Ireland covers Northern Ireland
- The Metropolitan Police (Met) covers London and is the largest force
- Police officers do not routinely carry firearms (except in Northern Ireland and for specialist units)
What the Police Do
- Prevent and detect crime
- Maintain public order
- Protect life and property
- Traffic management and road safety
- Community policing
The Fire and Rescue Service
- Firefighters put out fires and rescue people
- They also respond to road accidents, floods, and chemical incidents
- You can call 999 for the fire service
- Fire safety: never leave cooking unattended, test smoke alarms regularly
- In a fire: Get out, Stay out, and call 999
Fire Safety Tips
- Have a smoke alarm on every floor of your home
- Test your smoke alarms regularly (at least once a week)
- Never leave candles unattended
- Do not block fire exits
- Know your escape route
The Ambulance Service
- Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies
- Ambulances take patients to the nearest A&E (Accident and Emergency) department
- The ambulance service is part of the NHS
- Non-emergency: call 111 for medical advice
What to Do While Waiting for an Ambulance
- Stay calm and keep the patient comfortable
- If the person is not breathing, start basic life support (CPR)
- Try to give the operator as much information as possible
- Unlock the door so paramedics can get in
Coastguard Rescue
- The coastguard rescues people at sea and along the coast
- Call 999 and ask for the coastguard if you see someone in danger at sea
- The RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) operates lifeboats around the UK coast
Mountain Rescue
- Volunteer teams rescue people in mountains and remote areas
- Call 999 and ask for mountain rescue if someone is injured in a remote area
- The Lake District, Scottish Highlands, and Snowdonia have active mountain rescue teams
What Happens When You Call 999
- An operator will ask which service you need (police, fire, ambulance, or coastguard)
- They will ask for your location
- They will ask what has happened
- Stay on the line until told to put the phone down
- Give clear, calm answers to the questions
First Aid Basics
- CPR: push hard and fast in the centre of the chest (100-120 compressions per minute)
- Choking: encourage coughing, then 5 back blows, then 5 chest thrusts
- Burns: cool under running water for 20 minutes
- Bleeding: apply firm pressure with a clean cloth
Key Facts for the Life in the UK Test
- 999 is the main emergency number (112 also works)
- 101 is the non-emergency police number
- 111 is the NHS non-emergency number
- Police officers do not routinely carry firearms (except in Northern Ireland)
- In a fire: Get out, Stay out, and call 999
- The RNLI operates lifeboats around the UK coast
Knowing what to do in an emergency is an important part of living safely in the UK.