Phoning an ambulance if you cannot talk..

[Becca19962014]

I'm still unwell with tonsillitis which I've had over a week and isn't shifting. Woke up feeling much worse though I'm feeling better now and rang nhsdirect as my antibiotics run out on Tuesday thought this best thing to do.

They've given me some advice, rest, you'll be fine. But one thing they said was phone an ambulance if I can't breathe or talk or swallow.

How the hell do I (or anyone) phone an ambulance in those circumstances? Am I being thick?! I put the phone down before I asked!

You would have to text a friend and ask them to phone an ambulance for you.

you'll probably be asked to cough or make some audible noise, even if it's just raspy breathing.

I've read that you can call 999 then type 55 if you cannot talk, I haven't a clue if this is true though

If you have an iPad/iPhone, you can get Siri to read it what you type. I assume other tablets and smartphones do similar.

You will be able to make at least a gasping noise. I’d ask you to tap the phone twice and put you through as breathing problems.

Best to call from a landline as the operator will then see your address.

Also, open your front door incase you pass out before they arrive.

Hope you feel better soon. I’m a former 999 operator.

I read something like if you cannot talk to press '55' and they will know its a true emergency. Not sure how true that is though

Yes, it explains here that you should dial 999 and then 55 - I'd never heard of that before! I think it's for when people are in danger.

I signed up to something so that I could text 999 - I was worried about being alone at home and an intruder coming into the house.

www.independent.co.uk/life-style/call-999-emergency-services-what-to-do-if-cant-talk-advice-crime-accident-police-ambulance-a7524196.html
Yes, it is true.

I googled the 55 thing when I read about it the other day and it appears to be true.

Sign up for the text service. You can only use it if you’re registered though.

These instructions look useful.

You can text 999

www.scottishambulance.com/UserFiles/file/TheService/About%20sending%20a%20text%20to%20999%20tracked%20changes%20031013.pdf

This app (TapSOS) was designed to solve just this problem, and recently won the BT Tech4Good award in the digital health category.

www.tapsos.com/

Update: I've just tried to download it from the App Store, but it hasn't been released yet.

However you can subscribe to notifications to be alerted when it goes live.

You don't need an app. Just click on the link I gave and you can set it up. You need to text 999 and the word Register.

If you call 999 from a landline just cough/whisper etc they can trace you but getting your phone to speak is an excellent idea. Some areas have online live chat too, our police certainly does and they would pass it on. However my advice if you can still move is to call an Uber, a lot faster than an ambulance if it's not a life threatening emergency and frees up an ambulance for someone who can't get themselves to hospital.

Thanks!!

I'll register for the sms service with both mobiles, one I can store a text on as a draft so I'll set up one with house/flat details.

I've put emergency access number on door for landlord with a key - they won't allow one to be left in a box and I can't leave either door on the latch (long story).

Though I discovered when having lunch I forgot some of my meds this morning so that won't have helped this morning.

Just to be clear there's no uber here and taxis don't tend to run outside of office hours unless regularly pre booked. Not booked you can wait over an hour.

No friends very nearby, same problem and, I'd need definite signal to contact someone other than emergency services as there's intermittent coverage here for mobiles except in emergency.

I would never waste an ambulance if I had other options.

If you're phoning 999 and can't talk always use your landline if you have one. Your address will come up automatically. If you phone from a mobile it's a lot harder to get your details and can take ages

redglitter unfortunately I don't have a landline, my landlord won't allow it.

They will struggle to trace you from a mobile, I was reading the 999 55 article recently - it’s worth reading but it’s not as straight forward as hitting 55.

Best bet would be either register for the text service or have a friend who knows your situation and where you live who will phone for you (text them/ring them so they know)

www.ngts.org.uk/how-to-use-ngt/contact-999-using-ngt.html#

Might be worth a go

This is why I suggested the app :)

They are working with 999 on the project. Your medical info and location is given to 999, even if you can't talk. Also works with the police in case you are abducted or need to silently report a crime.

Your landlord wont allow a landline? It sounds like your LL is massively overstepping what they're actually allowed to do (as many do when they assume they can dictate electric companies/meters etc).

They are, most landlords here do, there's no cab or housing help just a helpline which is useless when you actually need someone to represent and help you - you're told to do it yourself and I can't (I've tried).