Dialling 55 after calling 999 alerts police operators you need help but can't talk.

[northlundunmum]

Did you know? Dialling 55 after calling 999 alerts police operators that you need help but are in a situation where you can't talk.

Pressing 55 lets the 999 operator know your call is genuine, and they will try to track your location. If you can't speak, listen carefully to the questions and instructions from our demand hub call agents so they can assess your call and arrange help.

My AIBU is “AIBU to
post this on AIBU for traffic?”.

I’ve just seen a post about this on linked in and did not know this - I think this knowledge should be widely shared! If you agree please bump with a comment!

I did not know that. But how does dialling 55 signal that you are genuine?

Bea cause if someone’s doing it for shits n giggles they tend to just call 999 then hang up…someone in fear or danger is more likely to stay on the line but not speak….amd if you dial 999 in error PLEASE STAY ON THE LINE AND TELL THE OPERATOR IT WAS IN ERROR-this saves a lot of people a lot of work-the lengths police staff and officers go to to ensure everyone who calls 999 is safe and well is phenomenal

it's the "silent solution". 999 operators will be trained to know that there are lots of situations where someone can make a call but cannot speak. Yes you can tap 55 on your phone or whatever but it's not essential to do so - if you are ever in hte situation of making this sort of call you will get help even if you don't tap the right keys or can only cough or respond in some other way.

Thank you. I didn’t know this. Can you post a link to the information as it is something I can advise at work.

https://www.met.police.uk/contact/how-to-make-a-silent-999-call/

Thanks to other posters who’ve added thoughts and details. Hope this message reaches someone who needs it over the Christmas period.

Don't worry about remembering this, listen to the 999 call handler and they'll talk you through this.

I've done it many many times with women hiding from partners in wardrobes or outside their homes where they can't speak.

If you can't speak, just listen to them and follow any instructions you can - I've had people tap the phone three times because they can't press buttons etc.