Emergency Text Message Service

The Emergency Text Message Service launched by the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service, in conjunction, with the Isle of Man Constabulary, Isle of Man Ambulance and Paramedic Service and Isle of Man Coastguard is to help benefit members of the public who:

• Are deaf

• Are hard of hearing

• Have a speech impairment

The service is designed to enable these target groups to contact the the Isle of Man emergency services, without needing help from anybody else. This service should only be used for emergencies and by people who cannot use a speech telephone in the Isle of Man.

When sending an Emergency Text Message to 166999 you should provide the following vital information;

1)    Who?

Clearly state which emergency service/s you require by texting Fire, Police, Ambulance or Coastguard

2)    Where?

Clearly state where you are and / or the location of the incident which has or is taken place.  Try to be as accurate as possible, for example, a street name and house name / number, a recognised landmark, a nearby feature such as a shop, church, public house or company name which will help in pinpointing your location. include the postcode if it's known.

3)    Why?

Clearly state why you need the emergency services by giving brief details of what has happened. Compose your message in the normal way and send it to 166999

N.B. The primary method for contacting the emergency services should always be by dialling 999 on a fixed line telephone or mobile phone if no fixed phone is available.  However, to assist deaf, hearing impaired and speech impaired people, an alternative special number is available specifically for contacting the emergency services using a text message (SMS)

There is always a potential for delay when sending text messages.  If you do not get a response within 2 minutes you should use an alternative method of contacting the emergency services, only use text messaging as a last resort.

Misuse of the Emergency Text Service could render you liable for prosecution under the Telecommunications Act 1984.

If you require the leaflet which outlines this service, either telephone 01624 647303 and we will post a leaflet to you, or click on the following link to download a PDF version of the leaflet:

Emergency Text Messaging Service Leaflet (4.2mb)

For further information on this service please email - iomfire@gov.im