Do I ask for police or ambulance when calling 999 from a mountain?

Ask for police, then mountain rescue. The police call handler will take your details and alert the appropriate team; the team may then call you back, so keep your phone available.

How do I tell mountain rescue where I am if I don't have a map and compass?

Use the free Locate Me feature in OS Maps, or another suitable mapping app, to obtain an OS grid reference from your phone's GPS. If that isn't possible, describe the mountain, which side you're on, how far up and nearby mapped features as clearly as you can.

What should I do if I called mountain rescue but don't need them anymore?

Call 999 again immediately, ask for police, and say that you need to cancel the mountain rescue callout. A prompt update lets the team and any other emergency resources stand down safely.

If Things Go Wrong

Calling 999 in the Mountains

Calling 999 or 112 from mountain terrain means asking for police, then mountain rescue. Give the handler your precise location, casualty and group details, stay where instructed, and keep your phone available because the rescue team may call back.

9 August 20269 min read