September 9 is Emergency Services Day or 999 Day but what is it and why do we celebrate it?

The UK celebrates the national day each year on the same day to show its support for the people who work and volunteer within the emergency services including the NHS, police, fire, ambulance and search and rescue services.

First responders are also celebrated on the day.

The day aims to promote efficiency and educate the public about responsibly using the emergency services, the 999 Day website explains.

UK celebrates Emergency Services Day 

It adds that the celebration also “aims to promote emergency services charities; and to highlight the many different career and volunteer roles in the emergency services.”

The day is backed by King Charles, prime minister Rishi Sunak and the Prince of Wales as well as the “Governments of the UK, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales; and all emergency services.”

When does 999 Day start?

999 Day begins at 9am and flags are raised around the UK with a two minutes’ silence as the country remembers the members of the emergency services who have died in the line of duty.

Policeman Tom Scholes-Fogg founded 999 Day in 2016 after he found that the UK didn’t have a day dedicated to honouring the emergency services.

Emergency Services Day’s Founder and Chief Executive, Tom Scholes-Fogg, said: “Everybody in the UK has used the NHS or emergency services at some point. In a life-or-death emergency all we have to do is dial 999 and help will arrive. We take it for granted.

“We just know that the NHS and emergency services will be there for us, yet it’s rare we stop and think about the 2 million people who serve across the emergency services family, and the sacrifices they make – from missing their child’s birthday to the ultimate sacrifice as we tragically saw just a few weeks ago, with the death in the line of duty of Sergeant Graham Saville, who in trying to save the life of another, lost his own.

“This 999 Day, I want to honour my colleagues across the emergency services – regardless of whether you’re paid or are a volunteer, first responder or behind the scenes, you all play a critical role in saving lives and protecting property. Thank you for the work you do and the often thankless and unseen personal sacrifices you make. Our country is a far better place for your service.”