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Happy with a full grid, and everything identified except the "number", 9 cells. Given the subject matter, I have a pretty good idea what the "number" should look like, but a grid stare has come with no likely candidates. A hint would be nice!

The puzzle's title was the biggest nudge for me...

Sorry, zabadak, you maybe had that bit! The representation is only nine letters, so to represent it you'll be looking for short words...

Thanks, got it now. I didn't realise I had two already, and was obsessed with finding a V as both a (Roman) number and a hugely significant letter! Plus last time I really did "call the NHS", it was 999, and it's tricky to do that with 9 cells.

Zabadak, thanks - and glad you got there. I think a few people might have thought of the same number as you did - I think of that as the Emergency Services one, as it's for the police,ambulance, fire and rescue and (as I found out last year) the coastguard too.

Malone, I spent a great many years answering 999 calls "Coastguard Rescue" for a living!

Thanks,. Sloth - interesting (and I hope you didn't live up to your name?)

I've completed the grid, highlighted what needs to be highlighted, and complied with the instructions in the down clues (which seem a little on the tasteless side, as was 35a, but never mind).

I've completed the two shaded down entries with the only words that I can think of that fit, but I can't for the life of me see how they are "alternative outcomes". Alternative outcomes to what?