How to Make a Silent Emergency Call When You Can't Speak

In situations where you are in danger or have certain medical conditions and cannot speak, it's still possible to get help through a silent emergency call. Follow these steps to make a silent call from your mobile or landline phone.

Making a Silent Call from a Mobile Phone

1. Dial 999 or 112 on your mobile phone.
2. If you don't speak or answer questions, press 55 when prompted. Your call will be transferred to the police.
3. Note that pressing 55 only works on mobiles and doesn't allow the police to track your location.

By pressing 55, the police can get help to you, and they will be able to hear what is happening in the background. They may ask yes or no questions, which can be answered with a whisper or by pressing a key to making a beeping noise on your phone. If you don't press 55, your call will be ended to rule out accidental and hoax calls to the emergency services.

Making a Silent Call from a Landline Phone

If you're dialling from a landline phone and don't speak or answer questions, follow these steps:

1. The operator will transfer your call to the police if they can only hear background noise.
2. If you replace the handset, the landline may remain connected for 45 seconds in case you pick it up again.

Calling 999 from a landline automatically provides the police with information about your location.