Emergency SMS

If you find yourself in a tricky situation on the mountain and are in need of mountain rescue but are unable to make a call, BT’s EmergencySMS is a helpful additional option to try.

To use it, you send a text to 999 asking for help, explain your situation and await a response. It’s important to note, you must register your phone with the EmergencySMS service before an emergency happens.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Register your mobile - Text the word 'register' to 999. You'll need to register again if you change your phone number.

  2. Read the message - You’ll get an automatic text reply. Please read it all. 

  3. Reply to the message - Read the message and then reply by texting ‘yes’.

  4. Get a 'success' text - You'll then get a text telling you that your mobile is now registered - or if there's been a problem

Find out more here

So if you broke your leg climbing Helvellyn you would text:

Help needed. I have a broken leg, conscious and breathing. Location - Summit of Helvellyn NY 34246 15110

While I hope you never need to use this, it is a good backup option when limited phone signal is available on the mountain.