In an Emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Police
To register your phone with emergencySMS, text the word ‘register’ to 999 and then follow the instructions
When you call 999, be clear and accurate. This will ensure that we get to your location as quickly as practicably possible, with the right equipment and team members and please follow these steps:
What service? You will be asked which emergency service you require – ask for Police and tell them that you require Mountain Rescue.
Emergency? Briefly explain what the problem is and if a medical emergency, try to explain what is wrong with the casualty.
Location? If you are on Exmoor or any other remote location, ideally try to give your grid reference, (from Ordinance Survey map or an app such as OS Locate). Alternatively, try to supply GPS location or as much detail as you can to assist us finding you.
If you have access to the internet and do not know how to give a Grid reference or GPS location, download an app called What3words. This will generate 3 unique words which will enable us to locate you very quickly.
Additional information? In areas of poor signal and moorland, the Emergency services or Exmoor Search and Rescue may not be able to call you back, so please give the 999 call-handler, the phone numbers of all other phones in your group.
What next? Follow any instructions you are given – especially if you are told to stay where you are, as this makes it easier for us to find you.
In remote locations, searches are normally completed on foot and it will take time to get to you. We will work with the other Emergency Services and we get to you as soon as we can.
But you must be prepared and look after yourself until we arrive.
- Keep warm if cold, cool if hot.
- If you have a whistle, blow six long blasts every minute and repeat for as long as you can.
- Remain calm, and talk to each other within the group
- Save your mobile phone battery. Do not make unnecessary calls or texts and turn off apps that use lots of battery, but keep your GPS signal on.