So, with the UK terror threat level at critical following the Manchester attacks on Monday (22/05), now seems like a good idea to remind you of how you can use the British police force’s Silent Solutions procedure.
It allows you to call 999 and get help, in a place where it is difficult to talk or may put you in danger.
When calling 999, an operator will ask what emergency service you require, if the line remains silent the operator will ask the caller to cough or make a noise. However, this may put you in danger if you are hiding from a potential attacker.
Due to the resources which would be required to attend every silent call, your 999 call may be cancelled.
However, there is a way to alert the operator and confirm that you need help, without making a sound.
Simply dial 55 while connected to the operator.
The procedure known as the Silent Solution protocol has been in place for over a decade.
A police spokesman said: ‘Please do not think that just because you dial 999 that police will attend.
‘We totally understand that sometimes people are unable or too afraid to talk, however it must be clear that we will not routinely attend a silent 999 call.
‘There must be some indication that the call has not been mis-dialled.’
If in an emergency and it is unsafe to talk, dial 999, wait for the operator, then dial 55.
