 | Home > Off Topic > A new 999 service just in case you ever need it |
 
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| gilarion Member Since: 05 Dec 2013 Location: Wales Posts: 5110   
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My friends in Mountain Rescue are reminding everyone that they can get help in an emergency by sending a text to 999. This service is freely available and has been developed by RNID, BT, Cable & Wireless, and the Department of Communities & Local Government the UK emergency services and all mobile operators.
To use the service all you have to do is visit www.emergencysms.org.uk and register. Then in an emergency Text 999 with Who you need, What the problem is, Where you are (giving as much information as possible a grid ref is very helpful). For more information on emergency SMS and the best & most helpful way to ask for help you can download this PDF - Emergency SMS from our technical support page For those who like Welsh Mountains and narrow boats have a look at my videos and photos at.. http://www.youtube.com/user/conwy1 |
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3rd Mar 2015 3:37pm |
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| Mike_B Member Since: 23 Jan 2011 Location: Moray Posts: 550  
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Whats new about this service? You've been able to register for years by just texting "register" to 999.
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3rd Mar 2015 5:10pm |
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| gilarion Member Since: 05 Dec 2013 Location: Wales Posts: 5110
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I am informed that this is an improved service to the existing one and a recent survey found very few people knew about the service so there is a push to make people aware that it exists. The first service was mainly launched for deaf, hard of hearing and speech-impaired people which of course it still is this new service is to make people aware that if you encounter weak phone signal problems and find voice communication difficult then a text can be a good alternative.
You will need to register your mobile phone before using the emergencySMS service Send the word 'register' in an SMS message to 999 You will then receive SMS messages about the service When you have read these SMS messages reply by sending 'yes' in an SMS message to 999 You will receive a SMS message telling you that your mobile phone is registered For those who like Welsh Mountains and narrow boats have a look at my videos and photos at.. http://www.youtube.com/user/conwy1 |
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3rd Mar 2015 6:10pm |
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| Chris86 Member Since: 15 Jul 2014 Location: South Yorks Posts: 789 
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Hi,
This has been around for a few years but unfortunately was little known about- I have certainly been including it in training materials for remote workers and outdoor professionals for around 5 years. I would recommend registering, but also consider using 112, rather than 999 as 112 automatically gives a pretty coarse location of position as well as sending the message- particularly useful if you do not know your location. It is great in low signal areas as sometimes you can 'force' a text where you are unable to make a call, one of the lone worker systems I use at work works on the same system. Other top tips for getting better signal whilst in remote environments -Get higher up -Change your aspect whilst trying to make your emergency call- your phone should roam automatically so may be trying to connect via a number of masts- changing your direction relative to a mast sounds daft but it CAN be enough to make the difference. Hope this information helps someone one day! Chris |
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3rd Mar 2015 6:44pm |
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| Mike_B Member Since: 23 Jan 2011 Location: Moray Posts: 550
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Nowadays, if you dont know your location, the police will Ping your phone. Using three masts they can get a pretty accurate area. Using one mast, they'll get a bearing sector which can still be useful in deciding how to complete a search.
The Mountain Rescue have access to a system called SARLOC, which only works with smart phones. It sends an app to your phone which then sends your gps location to the operator. Used regularly in the Ben Nevis / Glen Coe area to good effect. |
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3rd Mar 2015 6:49pm |
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| gilarion Member Since: 05 Dec 2013 Location: Wales Posts: 5110
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You are right though the service has been improved  For those who like Welsh Mountains and narrow boats have a look at my videos and photos at..
http://www.youtube.com/user/conwy1 |
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3rd Mar 2015 7:07pm |
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