Accidental 999? what you need to do

Dialled 999 by accident? Please don’t just panic and hang up! Take a moment to explain that you have called by accident.

Without confirming this, the operator has to spend a significant amount of time checking if you’re OK – this can include trying to call you back or even attempting to figure out your location so an officer can ensure that you’re not in any danger. This all takes time.

Time and resources that could be used to take other emergency calls. You might be embarrassed, but mistakes happen – especially with mobile phones in our pockets. Staying on the line just for a few moments will mean they can get straight to helping someone else.