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We believe access to 999 is a basic human right

Each year, 18,000 people in the UK need emergency help but can’t speak during a 999 call. 

There are many situations where speaking on a 999 call may not be possible. You may be Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or non-verbal. A medical emergency such as a stroke or diabetic attack may affect your speech. You might need to stay silent to avoid alerting an attacker. Or your airways could be blocked due to asthma, choking, or an allergic reaction.

 

Our Story

TapSOS was founded in 2016 by Becca Hume, a Multidisciplinary Design MA graduate driven by a passion for inclusive technology. A conversation with a Deaf colleague revealed a critical gap: people who can’t speak on the phone don’t have the same access to 999 as those who can.

Becca quickly realised this challenge extended beyond the Deaf community. What about someone experiencing a stroke, heart attack, or diabetic episode? A person in danger from an attacker, kidnapper, or abuser who must remain silent? Or someone unable to breathe because of asthma, choking, or an allergic reaction?

TapSOS was designed to give everyone equal access to help. Its clear graphics and simple text also support non-native English speakers when communicating with emergency services.

Because emergencies can happen to anyone, anywhere, Becca developed TapSOS as a free app that enables users to report an emergency and get help with just a few taps. The app includes a detailed medical profile, GPS location sharing, and direct access to the UK’s Police, Ambulance, Fire & Rescue, and Coastguard services. Integrated with BT, TapSOS ensures 999 call handlers receive vital information to send the right help, fast.

TapSOS is the first accredited 999 app with access to all four UK emergency services. It is officially accredited by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the British Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (BAPCO), the UK’s leading authority on public safety technology.

Our innovation has been recognised with multiple awards, including Best Use of Advanced Technology at the International Critical Communications Awards (Madrid), HealthTech Innovation of the Year at the Digital Leaders Awards (London), and the Security and Innovation Award at the Security & Policing Conference (London). We also secured funding through Virgin Media Business, earning the opportunity to meet with Richard Branson.

At TapSOS, we believe everyone deserves to feel safe and protected. Our mission is to harness technology to build safer homes, communities, and streets—so that in a moment of crisis, help is always within reach.

Here are our stories 

“In a world where time is everything, a better emergency response can often mean the difference between life and death“

BAPCO

Download the TapSOS 999 app

Two smartphone screens showing a 999 emergency app interface. The left screen displays a map centered on Camden Town, London, with a highlighted address at 289 Camden High Street, and options to confirm or edit the location. The right screen asks “Who do you need?” with large buttons for emergency services: Police, Ambulance, Fire & Rescue, and Coastguard.