999 (emergency telephone number)

Emergency telephone number in the United Kingdom

999 (emergency telephone number)

A sign indicating the use of 999 for emergencies

The 999 emergency telephone number is the primary emergency contact number in the United Kingdom, used to connect callers to emergency services such as the police, fire brigade, ambulance, and coastguard. It was introduced in London on 30 June 1937, making it the world's first emergency telephone number.

History

The concept of a universal emergency number was developed following a tragic fire in Wimpole Street, London, in 1935, which resulted in the deaths of five women. The Post Office and the Metropolitan Police collaborated to create a system that would allow the public to quickly contact emergency services. The number 999 was chosen because it was easy to remember and could be dialed quickly on the rotary dial telephones of the time.

Operation

When a person dials 999, the call is routed to a BT operator who will ask which service is required. The caller is then connected to the appropriate emergency service. The system is designed to prioritize emergency calls over non-emergency calls, ensuring that help is dispatched as quickly as possible.

An emergency telephone in Trefor, Wales

Technology

The 999 system has evolved significantly since its inception. Originally, calls were connected manually by operators, but advances in technology have automated much of the process. Modern systems use computer-aided dispatch to efficiently manage and prioritize calls. The introduction of mobile phones and VoIP has also expanded the reach and accessibility of the 999 service.

Alternatives and Accessibility

In addition to 999, the UK also uses the 112 emergency number, which is common across the European Union. Both numbers are free to call and can be dialed from any phone, including payphones and mobile phones without credit. For those with hearing or speech impairments, the textphone service is available by dialing 18000.

Public Awareness

Public awareness campaigns have been conducted to educate the public on the appropriate use of the 999 service. Misuse of the number can lead to fines and prosecution, as it diverts resources away from genuine emergencies.

Images

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  A rotary dial telephone, commonly used when 999 was introduced.

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  A flowchart illustrating the process of a 999 emergency call.

Related pages

• 112 (emergency telephone number)
• Emergency service
• Police
• Fire brigade
• Ambulance

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  Sign for 999

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  Trefor emergency phone

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  Rotary dial

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  Flowchart for a 999 emergency call