Knowing who to contact in an emergency is essential information in the UK, as it is in any country. If you are a migrant worker or an immigrant to the UK it is important to know about all the essential information about the UK, below is important information on the emergency services, giving you information on what they do and how to contact them in an emergency.
You can dial 999 or 112 in the UK to call any emergency services (fire, police or ambulance). The numbers are free but are for emergencies only. If you call them, you will be asked for your name, (which you don’t have to give), where you are calling from and to give details of the type of the emergency so the appropriate help can be called for you.
Police
Knowing how to contact the police in an emergency is essential information in the UK. The police in the UK are responsible for keeping law and order and are not part of the army. They are independent from the Government and they do not routinely carry guns. If you have a car accident or are the victim of a crime or witness a crime you should call the police. If you are an immigrant to the UK, and worried about your standard of English, it is important to know that all Police in North Yorkshire can call an interpreter if they need one to speak to you.
To report a crime call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Fire
You should call the Fire Service if there is a fire that is not being controlled. The Fire Service give information to help prevent fires and you should ask them about how to maximise the safety from fire in your home
Ambulance
You should call an ambulance if you or someone else has been injured or needs urgent medical attention. The ambulance crew will decide what action to take when they arrive but this will usually involve taking the injured person or people to the nearest hospital. Most hospitals are within 30 minutes drive from an accident; however you cannot be guaranteed to be taken to a hospital nearest to where you live. If you are an immigrant to the UK, and worried about your standard of English, hospitals can call an interpreter if they need one to speak to you.
Domestic Abuse
If a woman is attacked by a relative, or partner or ex-partner, this is called Domestic Abuse or Domestic Violence. This is not acceptable in this country and can be considered by the police to be a crime. Any woman who feels under threat or is abused in the home can contact the Womens Aid National Domestic 24 hour helpline 0808 2000247.
Racial or Homophobic Crime
If someone is attacked or abused or property is damaged because of a persons race, religion or sexual orientation, this is can be considered to be a racially or homophobically motivated crime or hate crime. The police would urge you to report this as it is not acceptable in this country.
If you become a victim of any crime please report this to the police and they will investigate it particularly in cases of victimisation where you have been targeted due to your racial or sexual orientation. There are specialist police officers who will be able to offer you advise and help you need.
If you are the victim of any crime, do not take the matter into your own hands as you might break the law or get hurt.
If you are an immigrant to the UK we hope that this essential information about emergency services in the UK will provide reassurance and knowledge that there are services in place should you need to use them.
