Overall, 71% of 999 calls were answered within 10 seconds.
The Addendum to the NHS Constitution requires all ambulance trusts to: Respond to Category 1 calls in 7 minutes on average and respond to 90% of Category 1 calls in 15 minutes. Respond to Category 2 calls in 18 minutes on average and respond to 90% of Category 2 calls in 40 minutes.
The Silent Solution is a police system used to filter out large numbers of accidental or hoax 999 calls. It also exists to help people who are unable to speak, but who genuinely need police assistance. You will hear an automated police message, which lasts for 20 seconds and begins with 'you are through to the police'.
When you dial 999, the first person you speak to is the Operator who will ask you which service you need. If you ask for an ambulance, you will be put through to your local ambulance service. An emergency call handler will then take the call and will ask you questions so that help can be arranged.
Calling 999 is for emergencies only. NHS 111 is for people who need medical help and advice when not in a life-threatening situation. Highly trained advisors, who are supported by healthcare professionals, are available on NHS 111 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
How to call 999. You can call an ambulance by using 999 or 112. If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired you can contact us by texting from your mobile. This facility is available in any type of emergency and is for people who can't use the standard 999 voice or the RNID's text relay services.
Call prioritisation
Our 999 calls are prioritised into one of four categories: Category one: for life-threatening injuries and illnesses, specifically cardiac arrest. Category two: for emergency calls, such as stroke patients.
Dialling 999 does not necessarily mean an ambulance will be dispatched. The call handler will decide what's appropriate. It may be safe enough for you to be seen elsewhere, or you can be given telephone advice by a medically trained clinical adviser. An ambulance will be sent if it's a life-threatening emergency.
As directed by the caller, Telstra transfers the call to the required Emergency Service Organisation (ESO) – Police, Fire or Ambulance services. The emergency response is provided by the requested ESO.
Call 999 from a mobile
If you don't speak or answer questions, press 55 when prompted and your call will be transferred to the police. Pressing 55 only works on mobiles and doesn't allow the police to track your location. If you don't press 55 your call will be ended.
Deaf people can text emergency services, but only if our phones are registered for the service in advance. Don't wait until you need to call, it will be too late. Do it now.
“The 999 line should be used when there is a crime in progress or a threat to life. In those situations, seconds could mean the difference between officers catching a suspect at the scene or them getting away and ultimately life or death."
Category 1: An immediate response to a life-threatening condition, such as cardiac or respiratory arrest. The average response time should be under 7 minutes and 90% of ambulances should arrive within 15 minutes.
If demand increases (for example, there are more incidents requiring an ambulance), or capacity reduces (for example, because there is a shortage of crews) the average wait for an ambulance will be longer.
Silent 999 calls
If you're in danger but you can't talk on the phone, you should still call 999, then follow these instructions. Call 101 for non-emergency enquiries. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service on 18001 101.
When it comes to parking some crimes are worse than others but obstructing an emergency vehicle is top of the list. Willfully obstructing an ambulance, fire engine or police car can obviously stop them potentially reaching a life-threatening situation.
Under the changes: 8% of calls will be classed as life-threatening with 90% expected to be answered in 15 minutes - currently 50% are, but crews have been failing to hit their eight-minute target. This group includes cardiac arrests and trauma injuries.
If someone is unconscious and not breathing
If someone is not breathing normally, call 999 and start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) straight away.
Simply by sending an SMS message to 999 you can call for help and the emergency services will be able to reply to you. You will need to register your mobile phone before using the emergencySMS service, click on the Registering your phone link above for more information.
Some areas have non-emergent transport available if you call 911 and the problem is not life or limb threatening, such as minor injuries or illness, such as a sore throat. Minor injuries and illnesses generally don't need an ambulance, but there are always exceptions.
111 can help if you need medical help fast, but it's not an emergency. This service can also help if you're not sure if you need to go to A&E.
Text-to-911 is the ability to send a text message to reach 911 emergency call takers from your mobile phone or device. However, because voice calls to 911 provide more information to 911 call centers, you should always make a voice call to 911 during an emergency whenever possible.
For people who are Deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech difficulty. Call Triple Zero 000 with TTY or Speak and Listen. Your call gets answered fast. TTY users call 106.
However, there are many visual cues that you can pay attention to. If you see people pulling off the road in front or behind you, it's likely that an ambulance or fire truck is coming. Paying attention to your mirrors and your blind spots and being a defensive driver is key to making sure that you are a safe driver.