Can’t Call 999? How to Text 999 in an Emergency

Picture this: someone collapses in front of you. You can’t hear the call handler, or you can’t speak clearly enough to be understood. What do you do?

If you’re Deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech difference, you can text 999. The service is called emergencySMS. It’s run through Relay UK and reaches the ambulance, police, fire and coastguard services anywhere in the UK, on any mobile network.

There’s one catch: you have to register first. Do it today, not in the middle of an emergency.

⚡ The 30-second version

1. Register now: text register to 999 and follow the reply.
2. In an emergency: text 999 with who, what and where.
3. Stay with your phone: they’ll text back with questions while help is on the way.

📱 Step 1: Register your phone (it takes a minute)

• Text register to 999.
• Read the automatic reply all the way through.
• Reply yes.
• Wait for the “success” text. No success text? Check with your mobile network that it supports emergencySMS.
• Not sure if you’re registered? Text register again, and nothing else. Never send a test emergency message.
• Changed your number? Register again.

🚨 Step 2: Text 999 in an emergency

Keep it short and clear:

• WHO you need: ambulance, police, fire or coastguard
• WHAT is happening: e.g. “man collapsed, not breathing”
• WHERE you are: house number, road, town, postcode, or a landmark nearby

Example: AMBULANCE. Woman fallen down stairs, not moving. 12 Oak Road, Anytown, AB1 2CD.

What happens next

• You’ll get a text confirming your message has arrived. Replies can take a couple of minutes.
• They may text you follow-up questions. Answering them won’t delay help.
• No reply? Don’t assume your message got through. Call 18000 using the Relay UK app, or ask someone nearby to call 999.

🤟 Other ways to reach 999

• 999 BSL: a free video call with a BSL interpreter, through the 999 BSL app or website.
• Relay UK: dial 18000 from the Relay UK app or a textphone, and a relay assistant types what the call handler says.
• Can hear but can’t speak (for example, it isn’t safe to talk)? Call 999, stay on the line, and press 55 when prompted to reach the police.

💪 While you wait: be the difference

Texting 999 gets help on its way, but the minutes before it arrives matter most. Stay with the person. Check whether they’re responsive and breathing normally. If they’re not breathing normally, start CPR and send someone for a defibrillator.

Knowing what to do in those minutes is what our courses are all about. Confidence, not just competence.

Find the right first aid course for you →

❤️ Pass it on

Register today, then share this page with friends, family and colleagues, especially anyone who might need it one day.

More information: emergencySMS on the Relay UK website (external link, opens new window)