Do I call 999 or 111? Medical numbers explained
9 September 2020By Jack Williams, Staff writer at Unite Students
In the UK, there are two medical care telephone numbers. 999 is for emergencies and 111 is for non-emergencies. Whilst both service are free to call, it's important you get the service you need and avoid calling out the emergency services unnecessarily. Read more to find out when you should call each number.
When should you call 111?
When you need medical advice or treatment but it is not an emergency.
You will speak to trained advisers who are supported by nurses and paramedics. They will ask your symptoms and offer their help.
You should call the 111 non-emergency medical care number if:
you need medical help fast but it's not an emergency
you think you might need hospital treatment
you don't have a doctor or it's out of surgery hours
you need health advice and are not sure what to do next
Interpreters are available on this service. They can translate if you have difficulty speaking English or you can ask to use the service in a different language.
When should you call 999?
This is the number for the emergency services - the ambulance, police and fire services.
You should only call the 999 emergency number if:
there’s a medical emergency – someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk
there’s a fire
a crime is taking place, for example an assault or burglary
Other useful numbers
101
The UK's non-emergency police number is how you can report a crime or incident if you don’t need the police to arrive immediately.
Calls to 101 cost 15p per call, however long you're on the phone.
The Unite Students Emergency Control Centre (ECC)
The ECC is for Unite Students customers only and can be called 24/7 if the on-site team are unavailable. You can call the ECC:
From call points in your building
Via the MyUnite app
On 0300 303 1611
You should call the ECC if:
you have an urgent welfare concern about yourself or your flatmate
you need to report a maintenance emergency or security concern
Visit your reception if you want to know more about any of these services.
