If you cannot hear on the phone, you can use the free speech-to-text translation service Relay UK to get emergency help.
To make a text relay call, download the free Relay UK app onto your smartphone, tablet or computer and link it to your phone number. When you make a call with the app, you’ll be automatically connected to a relay assistant who will type what the operator is saying.
If you use British Sign Language (BSL), you can use a video relay interpreter service.
If it’s an emergency
In a life-threatening emergency, call 999.
Call 999 through Relay UK
Dial 18000 through the Relay UK app or from a textphone.
Find out how to call 999 through Relay UK.
Call 999 in BSL
You can call 999 and speak to a call handler through an interpreter through a video relay service.
Find out how to call 999 via BSL999.
Send an emergency SMS to 999
Text the word ‘register’ to 999. You’ll need to register again if you change your phone number.
Find out how to use emergency SMS on the Relay UK website.
If you need urgent medical care, but it’s not an emergency
You can get help on NHS 111 online or by calling 111.
Call NHS 111 through Relay UK
Dial 18001 111 through the Relay UK app or from a textphone.
Call 111 in BSL
Use the NHS 111 BSL service available in your country:
- England: NHS 111 England – SignVideo
- Scotland: Contact Scotland BSL Service
- Wales: NHS 111 Wales – SignVideo
- Northern Ireland: NHS 111 Northern Ireland – SignVideo