You should call 999 in the UK when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
This includes life-threatening emergencies, like serious accidents, strokes, and heart attacks.
You should also call 999 to report a crime where there is an immediate danger to life.
When to call 999 for a medical emergency
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Unconsciousness
Severe loss of blood
Severe burns or scalds
Choking
Fitting or concussion
Drowning
Severe allergic reactions
Head injury
When to call 999 to report a crime
There is an immediate danger to life
Someone is using violence or is threatening to be violent
A crime is happening right now, like a house burglary or a theft
The suspect is still at the scene
Other emergency options
If it's not a life-threatening emergency, you can consider other options before dialling 999. For example, you could call 111, A&E, the GP service, or the pharmacist.
SMS Emergency (e-SMS)
If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, you can use the SMS Emergency (e-SMS) service to contact 999. XAI
