Emergency Services & Crisis Support

Emergency Services & Crisis Support

999 — The UK Emergency Number

When to Call 999

• Medical: Someone is seriously ill or injured — unconscious, not breathing, chest pain, severe bleeding, stroke symptoms (think FAST: Face, Arms, Speech, Time), severe burns, anaphylaxis, or a life-threatening mental health crisis with immediate risk of harm.
• Fire: Any fire — even a small one that is spreading, smoke filling a building, a vehicle fire, or a gas leak indoors. Do not assume someone else has called. Get out, stay out, and call 999.
• Police: A crime is in progress, someone is in immediate danger, the offender is still at the scene, there is a threat to life, or serious damage to property is occurring right now. For road traffic collisions with injuries, call 999.
• Coastguard: Someone is in difficulty at sea, on the coast, or in tidal waters. Dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

When NOT to Call 999

999 and A&E are for emergencies only — life-threatening or time-critical situations. Using them for non-emergency issues delays help for people who genuinely need it. For non-emergency police matters, use 101. For non-emergency medical issues, use 111 or see your GP.

Silent Solutions — Calling When You Cannot Speak

If you are in danger and cannot speak (for example, during a home invasion or domestic abuse incident), dial 999 and stay on the line. Listen to the operator’s questions. If you cannot speak:

• Cough or tap the handset if you can make a sound
• You will be prompted to press 55 on the keypad — this confirms to the operator that your call is genuine and not accidental. The call will then be transferred to police.
• This is called the Silent Solution system. Every 999 call where no one speaks and no sound is made is treated as a potential emergency but directed through this process.

101 — Non-Emergency Police

When to Call 101

• Your car has been stolen, broken into, or vandalised (offender not on scene)
• Your property has been damaged or your home broken into (offender not on scene)
• You want to report a crime that has already happened and no one is in immediate danger
• You have information about a crime or suspicious activity
• You want to report antisocial behaviour, drug dealing, or noise complaints
• You want to speak to your local police officer or neighbourhood policing team
• You have a general police-related enquiry

Report Online Instead

Many police forces now encourage online reporting for non-emergency matters. Visit your local police force’s website (find it at 🌐 www.police.uk) and click “Report”. Online reporting is often faster than waiting on 101 and generates a reference number you can track.

Crimestoppers — Report Crime Anonymously

NHS 111 — Non-Emergency Medical Help

When to Use 111

• You need medical advice fast but it is not life-threatening
• You think you need to go to A&E but are unsure
• You need urgent medical attention and your GP is closed
• You need a dental emergency appointment when your dentist is closed
• You have a minor injury or illness and want to know what to do
• You need mental health support (select the mental health option when prompted)

NHS 111 is staffed by trained advisers supported by clinicians. They assess your symptoms, provide medical advice, and can book you an appointment with an out-of-hours GP, urgent treatment centre, or emergency department if needed. They can also dispatch an ambulance if clinically necessary. The online service at 111.nhs.uk provides the same triage — answer questions about your symptoms and get advice on what to do next. ⓘ NHS 111 mental health services are covered in detail in our Mental Health & Wellbeing Resources article.

Trussell Trust — Emergency Food Banks

The Trussell Trust supports a nationwide network of over 1,400 food bank centres, providing emergency food and practical support to people who cannot afford the essentials. A typical food parcel contains at least three days’ worth of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable food. Many food banks also offer additional support — such as budgeting advice, energy bill support, and referrals for debt and benefits advice. Between April 2024 and March 2025, Trussell Trust food banks distributed over 3.1 million emergency food parcels. You are not alone.

How to Get a Food Bank Referral

You cannot simply walk into a food bank — you need a referral (voucher) from a recognised referral agency. The most common referrers are:

1. Call the Trussell Trust helpline on 0808 208 2138 — a Citizens Advice adviser will assess your situation and issue a referral if appropriate. This is the simplest path if you do not already have contact with a referring agency.
2. Citizens Advice: Call 0800 144 8848 or visit your local office. Advisers can refer while also helping with the underlying issue (benefits, debt, housing).
3. Your GP, health visitor, or social worker — healthcare professionals can issue food bank referrals.
4. Social services (local council): Your local council’s adult social care or children’s services team can refer.
5. Schools and children’s centres — if you have children, a teacher or family support worker can refer your family.
6. Other local charities and support agencies — many local organisations hold referral vouchers. Call the food bank directly to ask which agencies refer in your area.

Independent food banks: Many community food banks operate outside the Trussell Trust network. Search “food bank [your town]” online or contact your local council, Citizens Advice, or local faith group for information.

Other Key Emergency & Crisis Services

Summary: Key Emergency & Crisis Contacts

Essential Emergency Preparedness Tips

1. Memorise 999 and teach it to your children — every member of your household should know this number. Children as young as 3–4 can be taught to dial 999 and give their address. Practice it.
2. Know the difference between 999, 101, and 111 — 999 for emergencies (life is at risk, crime in progress, fire). 101 for non-emergency police (report a crime that has already happened, antisocial behaviour, general enquiries). 111 for non-emergency medical advice (when you are not sure what to do, GP is closed, or you need urgent care but it is not life-threatening). Using the right number gets the right help faster.
3. Register your phone for Emergency SMS — if you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech impairment, text “register” to 999 now — before you ever need it. You cannot use the service without pre-registering.
4. Know your gas and electricity emergency numbers — gas leak: 0800 111 999. Power cut: 105. Save these in your contacts. In the event of a gas leak, get outside before calling. Do not turn electrical switches on or off.
5. If you cannot afford food, call the Trussell Trust helpline today — 0808 208 2138. Do not wait until you have nothing left. Food banks are there for exactly this situation, and the referral process exists to help you, not judge you. The Citizens Advice adviser can also help with the underlying issue — benefits, debt, or housing.
6. Learn basic first aid — St John Ambulance and the British Red Cross offer free first aid apps, online guides, and affordable in-person courses. Knowing how to perform CPR, control bleeding, place someone in the recovery position, and recognise a stroke or heart attack can save a life before emergency services arrive.
7. Prepare a home emergency kit — in a waterproof container, keep a torch with spare batteries, a first aid kit, a phone power bank, bottled water, non-perishable food, a list of emergency contact numbers, and any essential medications. This is particularly important if you live in a flood-risk area or a remote location.

This guide is part of the GOTOSHARP Information Hub — 32 essential articles covering UK public services, legal rights, financial literacy, and everyday life support for UK residents. Last updated: June 2026. In any situation where life is at risk, a crime is in progress, or a fire is active, call 999 immediately — do not delay. If you are deaf or have hearing or speech difficulties, register for Emergency SMS (text “register” to 999) or download the 999 BSL app. For non-urgent police matters, also check your local force’s online reporting — available at www.police.uk. These numbers save lives. Memorise them.