When you need to call 999 but can't talk
When you need to call 999 but can't talk - the ‘silent solution’ can help.
Press 55 on your mobile when prompted, to confirm you are in a genuine emergency.
Emergency calls in the UK are answered by a BT operator, who will ask a few questions to determine the most appropriate emergency service for your situation.
If they get no response to these questions, the operator will ask the caller to press 55 on their mobile phone keypad. The call can then be transferred to the relevant police force.
“There are a number of situations where a caller may be in a genuine emergency but is too afraid to speak for fear of putting themselves or another person in danger”, said Superintendent Adam Wilkins, who leads our Contact Management department.
“In these cases, knowing about the ‘silent solution’ could potentially save a life.
“Anyone in Derbyshire who dials 55 on the BT operator’s instruction, will be put through to our Force Control Room, and we will work to establish their location and the nature of the emergency.
“It’s important to note that we won’t automatically have their location details, so we will need ask a series of yes or no questions to establish this.
“If you can't speak, listen carefully to the questions and instructions from our contact handler so they can arrange the help you need.
“We can also follow up with your network supplier to get an approximate location. We routinely do this with abandoned calls so we can check on the caller’s welfare. We can’t assume that the person is okay – and every second counts in an emergency.”
Please note, the silent solution is not available on landlines. However, when 999 calls are made from landlines, information about where you’re calling from should be automatically available to call handlers to help provide a response if needed.
Read more: How to make a silent 999 call | Derbyshire Constabulary
More Posts From The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
| Christmas and New Year bin collection dates Over the festive season, bin collections will operate on revised schedules. Some collections may take place up to two days earlier than u read more | |
| Launch Of WOMBLE MANIA! At the Heights of Abraham, Opened by Marcus Robertson, Son of Wombles author, Elisabeth Beresford, officially launched WOMBLE MANIA! at the Heights of Abraha read more | |
| Belper School and Sixth Form Centre Closed Today Due to a significant water leak, resulting in the water being turned off at school, we unfortunately have to close the school today. read more | |
| The opening night of the Lights of Abraham Winter Lights Trail The brand new winter lights trail, the 'Lights of Abraham' opened on Friday 22nd November at the Heights of Abraham in read more | |
| Can You Help DREAM Paranormal With Their Research My name is Simon Dean, Lead Investigator of DREAM paranormal and I am looking for your help. read more | |
News On Amber Valley Info
| Derbyshire Wayfarer Ranger Goes Digital Derbyshire Wayfarer Ranger tickets can now be purchased through an app, making them more convenient for bus and train users. read more | |
| Young Person Travel Discount Scheme Extended For Another Three Months Derbyshire County Council's b_line 3 card, which offers discounts for those aged from 19 up to their 22nd birth read more | |
| Care Home Sale Update Plans are being revised for the future of eight Derbyshire care homes after a planned sale fell through. read more | |
| Derby Residents Urged To Have Their Say In Two Consultations Consultations have been launched into future options for two services delivered by Derbyshire County Council. read more | |
| Over 350 New Objections Add Momentum to Fight Against Major Green Belt Housing Estate The Save Kilburn and Horsley Green Belt (SKHGB) committee has handed in more than 350 new objec read more | |
