To think the 999 Text system should be more widely advertised

[lougle]

If you can't make phonecalls, or find it very difficult to make them, you can register your mobile phone number with the Emergency Services by texting Register to 999. They will then send you a text message reply, which you respond Yes to. Once you do that, your number is registered with them, and you will be able to alert them by text message if you need one of the emergency services. For example, you may need to send a message such as:

'ambulance. man having a heart attack. outside post office. valley road, Watford'

They say 999 calls are the best way of contacting them, but for those people who can't speak on a phone, this is a brilliant service.

Wow that's brilliant isn't it. Especially if you are hiding and can't call

Hopefully the fact you you have your number registered will mean it's less open to hoax calls?

I'm registered as I can't talk on the phone. But it's not guaranteed they will respond and you are not to assume it's been answered you are supposed to keep trying other ways. I'm. It sure how it works but to me sounds like it will blip on someone's desk and if they not to busy with "normal" calls they may answer. Not much comfort but not much option to trust if emercency.

Definitely brilliant! Needs advertising!

Yes, it may not be perfect, Akire, but I think they just don't want anyone to assume they've got through in case the line is down.

You do have to be registered first, though. You can't just text 999 on the spur of the moment.

I am registered (have been for years) I just meant in this day and age that they tell you themselves not to rely on it. So while im grateful for a chance as my only way of ringing 999 at the same time it would be great to know my call was given same status as any other.

www.emergencysms.org.uk/about_emergencysms.php This is how it works. So once it is received, it does go into the same system.

Is part of the reason for encouraging other routes that you cannot rely on prompt delivery of SMS? Texts to my partner (on O2) often don't get delivered to him for hours. If you are actually on the phone (inc through Typetalk/TextRelay) then you know they got it.

Just looked up TypeTalk and looks like you can use a smartphone now - used to be you needed a special phone! ngts.org.uk/

Thank so that part is new- when I registered it was different. That is great!

It doesn't go straight to the call handler, so not like they answer the call and it stars speaking your text message, it goes via text relay so someone from there will call 999/101 and pass it on to the police call handler, so there will be some kind of delay.