9-1-1

In some parts of the world 9-1-1 is a special phone number people can use to connect to emergency services. Typically these calls are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Typically, the official answering the call determines which emergency service is required: ambulance; fire department; law enforcement, and will stay on the line until emergency services arrive.

While 9-1-1 is the emergency number in North America, other regions provide similar services using different numbers. 9-9-9 is the emergency number in the United Kingdom, for instance. These numbers are chosen to be easy to remember and quick to dial.