Contact 999 with a text using Relay UK
For anyone who’s deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired, the Relay UK service allows you to contact ambulance, police, fire and coastguard services by either texting a message to 999 using the emergencySMS service or calling via a Relay Assistant.
Contact 999 using emergencySMS
To use this service, you must register your phone on the Relay UK website. Once it’s registered, you can send an SMS message to 999 to call for help.
When you send a text, make sure you include information on which emergency service you need, what the emergency is and your location. Be as precise as you can about your location, for example, include a house number and postcode, or mention a nearby landmark if you’re not at home.
You will get a reply once your message has been received, which can take a couple of minutes.
Contact 999 using a Relay Assistant
On the Relay UK app, you simply tap the 999 button or dial 18000 and click ‘join’ on the app window. You will then be connected to a Relay Assistant who will ask you which service you need and connect you to the correct emergency service.
Using a textphone, you can dial 18000 to be connected to the emergency services.
Visit the Relay UK website to register your phone and find out more about these services.