Emergency numbers in the UK
Emergency numbers in the UK
As an international student in the UK, this may be the first time you live away from your parents. In the unfortunate event of falling ill or becoming a victim of crime, calling home for help may not be practicable both because of the physical distance and the time difference. As such, although we very much wish that you do not need to resort to them during your stay in the UK, you better learn about the following important numbers!
The main emergency number: 999
The is the number for emergency rescue including the police, fire brigade, ambulance, mountain rescue etc. Calls to 999 are free and can be dialed from a locked mobile phone. When you call, you will be asked to provide information about the location and nature of emergency, as well as key information such as the condition of the patient in the case of medical emergency.
Remember you should only call 999 in a genuine emergency so people who really need the service can receive the help they need without undue delay. These include circumstances where someone is seriously ill or injured, or a crime is in progress.
Another emergency number: 112
112 works in the same way as 999 which directs you to the same emergency call centre. 112 works on a mobile phone anywhere in the world. Calls to 112 are free and can be dialed from landline phones as well as locked mobile phone.
Non-emergency medical number: 111
You should call your GP for minor illnesses. However, if there is a medical emergency that is not life threatening but is still urgent, you can call the National Health Service (NHS) on 111 for advice. After assessment, you may be referred to speak to a nurse, a pharmacist or to set up a face-to-face appointment. Calls are free and you can also make use of the online service at https://111.nhs.uk/.
Non-emergency number for the police :101
If you need to contact the police, but an immediate response is not necessary and/or will not be serve any purpose, you should call 101. For example, your home has been broken into or you discovered that your wallet has been stolen. You may also choose to report a crime online: https://www.police.uk/pu/contact-the-police/report-a-crime-incident/
However, if someone is in immediate danger, or it appears that the situation could become heated or violent, you should call 999 instead.
We may not be your emergency rescue force, but if you have any questions in respect of your education in the UK, contact us today. We also offer a concierge service for our students for parents’ added peace of mind!
