Police have issued crucial information for anyone who may find themselves unable to speak during an emergency. On Facebook, Cambridgeshire Constabulary highlighted vital, possibly life-saving, information about what to do when contacting 999 during a ‘silent’ situation. 

In circumstances where talking is impossible, dial 999 and try to signal the operator in quieter ways like whispers, coughs, or phone key taps when asked. Mobile phone users unable to verbally respond should press 55 after the prompt or make tapping sounds to ensure the police get the call; failure to do so could lead to disconnection.

For landline callers, if operators pick up only background noise and no reply, they will pass the call to the police. After hanging up on a landline, it stays connected for another 45 seconds if you need to reconnect swiftly, and your location details are sent to the police instantly when you dial 999.

In a stirring notice, Cambridgeshire Constabulary took to Facebook earlier this week to issue a poignant message, reports the Liverpool Echo. “You know the feeling…you get home after a long day, close your door, turn the key – you’re safe,” the post began.

It added: “However, home isn’t a safe space for everyone. Behind closed doors, things can be very different.”

The police went on to share some distressing figures, noting: “We had 40 silent 999 calls in May where we were needed at the scene immediately – that is more than one every single day. A lot of these calls were from people suffering domestic abuse, who couldn’t say much but urgently needed our help to escape a desperate situation or confide in officers what had happened to them.”

They also provided crucial advice for those in peril, saying: “Do you know? Pressing 55 after calling 999 lets police operators know that you need help, but are in a situation where you can’t talk. Tapping in 55 lets the 999 operator know your call is genuine, and they will try to track your location.”

The guidance continued with instructions for silent emergency calls: “If you can’t speak, listen carefully to the questions and instructions from our demand hub call agents so they can assess your call and arrange help. Find more advice, support and info about domestic abuse on our website: https://orlo.uk/Domestic-Abuse_WcQ40.”

Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s website offers further information: “Domestic abuse affects people from all walks of life and in many different ways. Find out what classes as domestic abuse, how to report it and how, under Clare’s Law, you can find out if a partner has a history of domestic violence or abuse. We’ll also show you how to delete your visit here from your web history, if you need to.”

In the year ending March 2024, it was estimated by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) that 2.3 million adults in England and Wales were victims of domestic abuse. This figure includes 1.6 million women and 712,000 men.

The ONS also revealed that one in four people aged 16 and over has experienced domestic abuse since turning 16, with 30.3% of women and 21.7% of men affected. These figures are based on a review of domestic abuse data, which now includes new questions in the Crime Survey for England and Wales to more accurately reflect the prevalence and characteristics of domestic abuse.

In response to the police force’s Facebook post about the ‘silent solution’, many people took to the comment section to say thanks. One person said: “I am so pleased this exists – I have not heard of the 55 before. Will definitely be sharing.” 

A second put: “Thanks for that information it’s handy to know!! Hopefully I will never need it.” A third wrote: “This is so important to know.” Someone else added: “Shared! I did not know this so I’m fairly certain a lot of my friends and family probably don’t too. Spread the word.”

What happens if you press 55 after dialling 999?

While the police may not be able to pinpoint your location simply by pressing 55, they can use other methods such as triangulating your mobile phone signal. It’s crucial to follow the operator’s instructions and, if possible, communicate by coughing, tapping the phone, or pressing 55 when prompted.

If you don’t respond or press 55, your call could be disconnected, as it might be considered a misdial or an accidental call. This system is designed to filter out accidental or prank 999 calls, while ensuring that those in genuine need, who are unable to speak, can still get help.

Do bear in mind that the silent solution is not accessible via landlines. Nevertheless, when 999 calls are made from landlines, the call handlers should automatically receive information about your location to assist in providing a response if necessary.