999 (emergency telephone number)

999 is the official emergency telephone number in the United Kingdom, certain British territories, and many Commonwealth countries. It is one of the oldest emergency numbers in the world, having been introduced in the United Kingdom in 1937. The number is intended for use in emergency circumstances only, and calling it for any non-emergency matter is considered a criminal offense in most jurisdictions.

History

The 999 emergency number was first introduced in the London area on 30 June 1937. It was established after a fire in Wimpole Street killed five women. A committee, set up by the government, recommended the establishment of an emergency number, which led to the creation of 999 as the world's first emergency telephone number. The choice of number was made because 999 could be easily dialed on the rotary phones in use at the time, even in the dark or in smoke-filled rooms.

Operation

When a call is made to 999, it is answered by a telephone operator who asks the caller which emergency service is required (police, fire, ambulance, coastguard, or mountain rescue). The call is then directed to the appropriate service. Calls to 999 are free of charge and can be made from any telephone, including mobile phones, payphones, and VoIP systems.

Use in Other Countries

While 999 is primarily associated with the United Kingdom, several other countries and territories use the number for emergency services. These include but are not limited to, Ireland (for GSM mobile networks), Poland (as a secondary number), Bahrain, Bangladesh, Botswana, Ghana, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Zimbabwe.

Misuse

Misuse of the 999 number is a serious issue. Non-emergency calls can overload the system and potentially delay responses to genuine emergencies. Authorities have implemented various measures to combat misuse, including public education campaigns and, in some cases, legal action against individuals who make hoax or non-emergency calls.

Modern Developments

With the advent of modern technology, emergency services have begun to explore alternatives and supplements to the traditional voice call to 999. These include text services for the deaf and speech-impaired and the potential for future integration with mobile apps and location services to provide faster and more accurate responses to emergencies.

See Also

• Emergency telephone number
• 112 (emergency telephone number)
• Emergency Medical Services
• Fire department
• Police