Your studies are necessary when studying abroad, but the most important thing is your personal safety. What should I do in case of an emergency in the UK? How to call the police? Although most people in the UK already know that in case of emergency, they should dial 999 (equal to 110, 120, and 119 in China), few people see the number 101. 101 and 999 have almost the same function, but 999 is “more urgent” than 101.
But, when the situation is less urgent, dial 101; if it’s more urgent, dial 999. Separating the two numbers also allows the police to better deal with requests for help from the general public and prioritise life-threatening emergencies. 101, like 999, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Besides that, what is the number for medical help? As a precautionary measure to protect yourself, today’s blog will discuss the differences between emergency numbers in the UK.
Dialling the 101 emergency number
The official example given suggests that you can call 101 in the following situations:
- Your car has been stolen
- Your property has been damaged
- You suspect drug use or dealing in your neighbourhood
- Road concession
- Giving the police some clues about criminals
- Asking the police for some safety information
When 101 is connected, it will contact the local police based on your location. In fact, the role 101 is to relieve the pressure of 999 and provide another channel for the public to contact the emergency department and police department.
Dialling the 999 emergency number
However, it is still essential to dial 999 first when in a very urgent situation, for example:
- You were robbed, or your thing was stolen
- Witnessing crime scene
- Being followed by a thief
- Feel like your safety is being threatened
- Your house is on fire
- There is a patient around who needs first aid.
Calls to 101 and 999 are free, regardless of time, and are available in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Take your time when things go wrong, and speak slowly. The police in the UK are still very patient.
Chinese Embassy in the UK Telephone
It is also important to know how to contact the embassy if you have lost your passport or have another emergency that requires you to turn to the embassy. The embassy guarantees the safety of Chinese nationals abroad and can also apply for consular protection in case of extraordinary circumstances. No matter what you are looking for from the embassy, it needs to be resolved by a specialised department. The embassy has many departments, and the official website has detailed information on departmental assignments and contact details.
Use Emergency SOS on your iPhone
When you call with SOS, your iPhone will automatically call the local emergency number and share your location information with the emergency services. In some countries and regions, you may need to choose the service you need. For example, in mainland China, you can choose police, fire, or ambulance. A mobile network is available for emergency calls when SOS appears in your iPhone status bar.
You can also add emergency contacts. After an emergency call has ended, your iPhone can alert your emergency contacts with a text message unless you choose to cancel this option. Your iPhone will send your current location, and after you’ve entered SOS mode, your emergency contacts will receive updates when your location changes.
On iPhone 14 or later (all models), you can even use Emergency SOS via satellite to text the emergency services when no mobile and Wi-Fi coverage is available.
FAQ
In a medical emergency, call 999 immediately to get assistance from the ambulance service. If it’s not an emergency, but you need medical help, call 111 for advice.
Stay informed about potential risks and have a plan in place. This includes knowing evacuation routes, preparing a disaster supplies kit, and understanding how to stay safe during natural disasters.
There are various organizations that provide support in emergencies, including the British Red Cross, Salvation Army, and local councils. They can provide practical help, emotional support, and advice on the next steps.
