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Description

What to do when calling 999

Resources

Equipment needed
- Paper cups
- String
- A note with your home
address on so that you
can be tested

Instructions

https://aakss.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Scouts-badge-pack-2025.pdf

Emergency Operations Centre 999 call handlers and KSS
Dispatchers need clear and accurate information to send
help fast. The better you can explain what’s happening and
where you are, the quicker emergency services can reach
someone in danger.
Before starting this mission, make sure you know:
• Your home address
• The number to call in an emergency (999)


What you need to do:

Step 1
For the first part of this mission, I'd like you to practise giving information clearly in an emergency.
Make two cup-and-string telephones by poking holes in two cups, threading string through and tying knots to secure it. Keep the string tight so you can hear through it.
Choose two volunteers to demonstrate:
• One is the call handler
• One is the caller reporting an emergency
The call handler asks:
“What’s happened?” and “What’s the address?”
Then take turns playing both roles so everyone practises giving clear information.

Step 2
Talk about how easy or tricky it was to hear each other.
Sometimes real callers have a poor signal, lots of background noise or feel scared – and it can be difficult for dispatchers to understand them. That’s why speaking clearly matters.

Step 3
Swap roles and repeat the activity so everyone gets a chance to practise.

TOP TIP
Practise speaking slowly and clearly. Also, make sure you find out, remember and write down:
• The number for the
emergency services
• Your home address
• A sensible place to keep your written address (By your phone? On the fridge?)
A list of trusted neighbours to help you

Tags

• KSS

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