Emergency Services Day – also known as 999 Day – is something you may have heard of.

It is something that was only set up fairly recently, with the first 999 Day being in September 2018.

Now every September 9 the day is recognised which starts at 9am to represent the 9th hour of the 9th day of the 9th month.

Here’s everything you need to know about the day of celebration for the emergency services.

What is 999 Day?

It’s a national day to celebrate those in the NHS and emergency services who care for and protect the public.

Figures such as the Queen, the Prime Minister and the First Ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all support it.

Why is 999 Day celebrated?

It is an opportunity to honour those in the NHS and emergency services, as well as to educate the public about basic lifesaving skills, promote using the emergency services responsibly and brings a spotlight to carer and volunteering opportunities.

It also brings attention to the work emergency services charities do.

How did 999 Day start?

Sir Tom Scholes-Fogg is the Founder of the day, and decided to set it up after he realised there was no annual day to honour the heroes of the service.

He garnered support from then Prime Minister Theresa May.

The day was approved in 2017 and then first celebrated in 2018.

Boris Johnson’s message to emergency services workers

Boris Johnson put out a message of support for emergency service workers on Twitter saying that  “we honour those who work & volunteer to keep us safe and well” all day, every day.

He also mentioned the “unprecedented challenges” they have faced in the last 18 months due to the pandemic.

“I know I speak on behalf of the whole country when I say thank you, we are immensely proud,” he added.

Many people were critical of him in the replies though.

Nick Gallagher replied with an image of Johnson and the words “Promise Everything. Deliver Nothing. Blame Someone Else.”

Twitter user David of Nottingham made reference to Johnson not giving emergency services workers pay rises.

He wrote: “Well, that message will make them feel so good as they make their way home, exhausted, looking in at half-empty supermarket shelves.

“Many of them eagerly anticipating the 'defrosting' of their frozen pay rise at some uncertain point in the future More humbug, Prime Minister?”

Brits thank emergency services on 999 Day

Many people showed their gratitude to emergency service workers on social media for the day.

The Metropolitan Police tweeted out thanking all 999 workers and the “vital role” they play in keeping London safe.

They said: “From answering 999 calls to saving people from burning buildings, catching criminals to facing a global pandemic head-on. Thank you.”

Many people held moments of silence for those emergency services workers who lost their lives in the line of duty, including the Isle of Wight Council.

Twitter user Paul also urged people to mark the day.

He said: “If you happen across a Cop, PCSO, Ambo operative or Fire fighter please say a quick thank you to them. Without their dedication, bravery & selflessness we really would all be in trouble.”