Emergency Services In UK: Police, Health, Fire And More

A crisis can arise anytime; if it does, you might not know what to do if you're in a foreign country. Fortunately, there is an emergency phone number in the UK for almost every situation you might run into. Emergencies can arise randomly, you can be having a good day with your friends, and then suddenly, something goes wrong! It can be a car accident or health-related emergency; there is no set time when bad things come into our lives! This is where the emergency services in the UK come into play. They are one of the best in the world and cover almost every emergency out there! 

What Would You Do During An Emergency In the UK?

Have you ever wondered how you would react to apocalyptic situations? Perhaps you would be prepared for any obstacle that comes your way. Or maybe you would get jumbled in the chaos. Scary, isn't it? Well, the good news is you don't have to worry about Armageddon happening anytime soon.

Back on Earth, you might face an emergency that requires quick thinking. Below is a list of UK emergency numbers to help you deal with an emergency in the UK. The best thing to do before you face any type of emergency in the UK would be to note down all the important numbers, like the ambulance number in the UK or the police number, in your phone or in a notebook that you carry around with you!

Types of emergencies situations in the UK

When you dial an emergency phone number in the UK, dispatchers classify your situation into one of the following severity categories, shown by their average response time: Cases falling under category Four are occasionally handled by phone counselling or referrals to other services. 

If you can't make a voice call, you can text the emergency services in the UK, but you must first register with the emergency SMS service. To register, text "register" to 999.

UK Fire Services

Even if the fire is small or you're unsure it's an emergency, call 999 to alert the fire department if you see one. Don't call your local fire station, and don't assume someone else has called any emergency phone numbers in the UK for fires. When you call, you will be connected to the fire control room. A fire engine equipped with the necessary equipment is dispatched from the closest station. You'll be asked a series of questions, including the location of the fire (use the street name or a nearby landmark instead if you don't know the postcode). If anyone is trapped on the premises, the operator will inquire. This just shows how great the emergency services in the UK are.

UK Police Services

The police emergency service in the UK offers a wide range of services, from crime prevention to community support. Only dial 999 if there is an actual emergency. Before determining whether a situation is an emergency, the police advise you to ask yourself the following questions: 

• Is someone in danger right now?
• Do you require immediate assistance?
• Is it possible that the situation may grow heated or violent?

Crimes that should be reported include antisocial behaviour, local drug use, suspected criminal activity nearby, property damage, and stolen objects. In the United Kingdom, there are also specific uk emergency lines for specific crimes: 

• Anti-terrorist hotline: 0800 789 321 or online 
• Action Fraud (for fraud or cybercrime): 0300 123 2040 or online 
• British Transport Police (for accidents on trains or tubes): 0800 40 50 40 or online

UK Health Services

If you encounter a medical emergency in the UK, dial 999 from any phone in the United Kingdom to reach the UK emergency alert system. The national emergency response numbers in the United Kingdom are 999 and 112. In the United Kingdom, 112 is the European equivalent of 999. The call operator will ask you questions as soon as you connect. When you call one of the emergency services numbers in the UK, an ambulance will be dispatched if the situation is deemed life-threatening, like a heart attack, a deadly accident, or a victim of a brutal crime.

If you deem the medical emergency urgent but not life-threatening, like a minor accident, dial 111 for advice on what to do next. The medical emergency service in the UK is one of the best in the world due to the quick response time! 

The next step may be to speak with a nurse, pharmacist, or general practitioner (GP) or to schedule a face-to-face consultation. Additionally, you can visit an NHS urgent care facility or your local hospital's Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. Learn more about the UK's Student Healthcare and healthcare insurance for international students.

Utility and telecommunications emergency services in the UK

Gas: If you smell gas, call the National Grid's emergency phone number in the UK at 0800 111 999.

Electricity: Call UK Power Networks at 0800 31 63 105 or submit a report online to report a power outage.

Flood: If you notice a water leak, call your provider. Call Floodline at 0345 988 1188 or report a flood online if you're worried about flooding. The attention to detail shows that the emergency services in the UK are there to help you with even the smallest of inconveniences.

Embassies and services for international students in the UK

If you are an international student going to the UK to study, work, and experience the British lifestyle and culture, keeping a list of emergency services in the UK is advisable if you have few or no connections around you. With nearly 500 embassies and consulates dispersed among the four home countries, the United Kingdom has some sort of diplomatic representation for almost every country in the world.

The following are some of the most important embassies for foreign residents and visitors in the UK:

1. Nigeria

The Nigeria High Commission in London is at 9 Northumberland Avenue. Their phone number is +44-20-7839-1244.

2. Indonesia

The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in London is at 30 Great Peter St Westminster. You can reach them at +44-171-499-7661. 

3. France

The French Consulate General is at 21 Cromwell Road in London. The company can be reached at +44 (0) 207 0731 200.

4. India

You can find the High Commission of India in London at India House, Aldwych. You can contact them at +44 (0) 207 8369 147. 

5. Pakistan

The Pakistan High Commission is in London at 34–36 Lowndes Square. You can reach them at +44 (0) 207 6649 200. If facing an emergency, call them at +44 (0) 773 3220 871. 

6. Poland

The Embassy of Poland is in London at 10 Bouverie Street. You can contact them at +44 (0) 207 8228 900. 

7. United States

You can find The Embassy of the United States in London at 33 Nine Elms Lane. You can contact them at +44 (0) 207 4999 000. 

LGBTQ+ emergency services in the UK

With several charities and foundations ready to help, the UK is a safe place for members of the LGBTQ+ community. The LGBT Foundation offers advice and support, while Stonewall is a charity campaigning for LGBT equality. The UK Government itself offers advice and key support contacts for LGBT people. One of the best emergency services in the UK for LGBTQ+ communities is the Kent Fire and Rescue Services due to its support for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion in workplaces and in the community! KFRS was awarded for its inclusivity and was ranked the 2nd best emergency services in the UK for LGBTQ+!

Europe-wide emergency numbers

You can call 112 from any phone in Europe to contact the emergency services in the UK in case of an emergency. In the UK, dialling 112 will connect you to the same emergency services centre as dialling 999. 

Useful resources: find a UK emergency number

Check these official websites to stay up-to-date with the latest changes to emergency services in the UK. 

The National Health Service (NHS) offers guides on when to call 999 to prepare you for how to deal with an emergency in the UK. International students might find Embassy Pages and NHS' guide to accessing healthcare as a visitor uses. The British Red Cross also has a guide on preparing for an emergency in the UK.

Overall, the emergency services in the UK are good. They are quick to respond to emergencies and are well-equipped to handle them. We hope that with this reliable information, you will be well-armed to face any emergency that might come up and take the necessary actions with confidence.