The secret code to dial after 999 if you can’t speak

In a life or death situation is a reflex for most people – but what happens if you can’t speak?

Whether you are in danger, suffering a medical emergency, or at risk of being overheard by an attacker, sometimes staying silent on the phone may seem like your only option.

Fortunately, there is a solution designed for these scenarios. 

The ‘Silent Solution’ is a system that allows mobile phone users to alert police when they are unable to speak.

 but cannot talk, operators are trained to listen for distress, but if they hear nothing, they might assume the call was accident.

To prevent them from disconnecting, there is a code you can dial to alert the operator that you are in danger which is 55. 

The process works as follows:

1. Dial 999 and your call will be answered by an operator who will ask which emergency service you need.

2. If speaking is dangerous or impossible, stay on the line.

3. If prompted, press 55 as this is the secret signal that tells police you are in danger.

4. Your call will be transferred to the police, who will attempt to assess your situation by listening for background noises or asking yes/no questions if possible.

This crucial system allows people in distress to seek help without putting themselves at further risk. However, it only works from mobile phones as silent calls from landlines will not trigger the same process.

While the Silent Solution is a powerful tool, emergency operators cannot trace mobile calls with pinpoint accuracy. If you need help, try to:

• Whisper your name and location if it is safe to do so.
• Make background noises that could hint at your situation.
• If you cannot speak at all, ensure your mobile phone’s GPS is on.

For those who cannot make a voice call, there is an alternative emergency service SMS system. To use it, you must pre-register by sending the word ‘register’ to 999 via text.

In an emergency, simply text 999 with your location and the nature of your emergency.

Although the silent solution has been available for years, many people still don’t know it exists. Awareness campaigns have been launched by police forces and charities, but it remains an unused life-saving feature.

The more people that understand how to use 55, the more lives could be saved.

In a crisis, every second counts.