Here’s how to call the police if you can’t speak aloud

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by Emma Dodds |
Published on

Police have reminded us of what to do in a situation if you need to stay silent or can't speak

In the wake of the Manchester terror attacks which claimed the lives of 22 victims and injured nearly 120 people, the emergency services want to remind everyone of the Silent Solutions programme.

In most cases if you ring 999, you're able to speak to the operator and tell them which department you require.

But if you're in a situation where you can't speak or you're unable to speak but still have movement in your hand, there's something you can do.

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Emergency call handlers will not automatically put you through (Credit: Getty Images) ©Getty Images

All you need to do to let the operator know that you are there and do need help is dial 55.

That way, they know that you haven't pocket-dialled and do in fact need assistance.

If there is no response from you to the person who answers your 999 call, the line will be terminated as they will assume it's a pocket dial.

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The vigil in Manchester for the victims of the attack (Credit: Getty Images) ©Getty Images

Whilst the programme has been in place for over ten years, not that many people know about it.

A police spokeswoman said: "Please do not think that just because you dial 999 that police will attend.

"We totally understand that sometimes people are unable or too afraid to talk, however it must be clear that we will not routinely attend a silent 999 call.

"There must be some indication that the call has not been mis-dialled."

So park that one in your memory banks just in case - heaven forbid - you ever need it.

Have you ever been in a situation where you needed emergency help but couldn't speak? Let us know over on Facebook and Twitter.

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