999 text service

[Tricky Dicky]

Did you know that you can text 999? If you've got poor reception, not enough for a phone call, you often have enough for a text. However, in order to send a text to 999 you need to register first. Its easy, just text the word 'register' to 999. Don't delay do it today!!



More details here https://www.relayuk.bt.com/how-to-use-relay-uk/contact-999-using-relay-uk.html

 

[LadyMud]

This has been available for years, but many thanks for the reminder
Must admit, I'd forgotten to register my new phone number

 

[any name you wish]

Please forgive me if I am missing something, but what is the point of doing this (unless you are deaf)? Won't it be faster to talk to them yourself? And why do they demand that you register in advance?

 

[FabianE]

Please forgive me if I am missing something, but what is the point of doing this (unless you are deaf)? Won't it be faster to talk to them yourself? And why do they demand that you register in advance?

Usually used by deaf people...
I can tell you though from when I worked as a call handler / dispatcher for an ambulance service it's painstakingly slow and takes ages to receive any credible information...
Which is unfortunate as some regular callers have now picked up on this... They'll start texting and then go silent... Meaning a resource needs to be sent to have a face-to-face assessment...

 

[ChrisB]

Please forgive me if I am missing something, but what is the point of doing this (unless you are deaf)? Won't it be faster to talk to them yourself? And why do they demand that you register in advance?

I think it was originally devised for people with speech or hearing issues, but can also be used if you only have a weak phone signal. Texting works when it's too weak for speech.

I think the registration is to distinguish genuine users from accidental pressing 999 with the phone in a pocket etc

 

[mikem]

2010 it was originally marketed to hill walkers:

New 999 txt service.

Whilst the headlines herald this as a service pitched at walkers it will clearly also offer a greater chance of calling cave rescue in areas with poor mobile phone reception. Full instructions on when and how to use this service can be found here. If you require Cave Rescue you should txt...

ukcaving.com

 

[Stonedust]

I've signed up for this but never had to use it yet.

Something worth remembering, in remote areas you might not get an instant reply to a text as you would in an urban area. It could be 15 minutes or more. Info on the 999 Relay system does mention this.

 

[RPGMaker15]

This thing has been available for years. It wasn't easy to register when it was newly launched, but now it's advanced, and you can quickly sign up and get whatever help you want from there.

 

[AlanClark]

I registered years ago, text register to 999 then reply yes to the do you want to register question.
Never had to use it, on the odd occasion I've had to summon help it's been by calling.

 

[Stonedust]

I registered years ago, text register to 999 then reply yes to the do you want to register question.
Never had to use it, on the odd occasion I've had to summon help it's been by calling.

Because it's going to be a rare thing, if its used at all, I keep a copy of the instructions in the daysack/manbag.

 

[kay]

Also of use if you are in danger from an attacker and wish to conceal your presence

I tried registering and found I was already registered! No memory of doing that!