What to do when you are in an emergency

It is prudent to set up the emergency contact on your devices and if you are an international student who just arrived in this country, it is expedient to keep a list of important key emergency service numbers to contact quick assistance in times of need. Better to have it and not need it than to need it but not have it. Let’s go through this guide for more details. 

Police in the UK  

The UK is generally a safe country with low crime rates and a trusted police force. However, there is no harm in being vigilant and beware of pickpocketing when you are in a crowded area.  

Dial 999 if you are reporting a crime that is in progress, violent conditions or if there is immediate danger.  

If you witness a suspicious action, local drug usage or stolen objects, you may report it to the police by dialling 101 or report it online after ensuring your personal safety.  

If you notice there is a possible terrorist activity in the surrounding area, call 999 or the police terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321 to report any terrorist threat. You may also report the suspected terrorist activity online.  

Medical emergency  

Depending on the severity of the medical condition, there are different numbers to ring for the right help. So you may wonder, when should I call 999 or 111? Rules of thumb, if it is a life-threatening situation, call 999. For non-life-threatening situations, call NHS 111 or online for medical help.  

NHS 111 is an easy way to get help, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, either online or through phone calls. The call operators will ask a series of questions to assess your condition. Following the assessment, NHS 111 will either direct you to the nearest emergency department in the local hospital or connect you to a GP, dentist or pharmacist.     

However, if you or someone needs emergency treatment, please call 999 or visit the nearest emergency department directly. Under the Ambulance Response Programme, the calls are categorised into:  

1. Category 1: for calls about fatal injuries and accidents. Average response time: 7 minutes 

2. Category 2: for emergency calls, such as those from stroke patients. Average response time: 18 minutes 

3. Category 3: for urgent calls, such as abdominal pain. In some instances, you may be treated in their own way home. Average response time: 120 minutes  

4. Category 4: for less urgent calls, such as diarrhoea, vomiting and back pain. Average response time: 180 minutes  

For more information, you may refer here https://www.londonambulance.nhs.uk/calling-us/ambulance-response-categories/