British Sign Language 999 call service launched

A new emergency service has been launched, allowing people to make 999 calls using British Sign Language (BSL) for the first time.

We’ve talked recently about how you can text 999, but this is a new and much-welcomed feature to the emergency services.

The new service, 999 BSL, will allow deaf people to call Police, Ambulance, Fire or Coastguard using an app or website, connecting callers with a BSL interpreter.

It is free to use and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Ofcom announced telephone and broadband companies must carry the service last June, estimating it would save two lives a year.

The system, which launched on Friday, is the first time a 999 emergency service will be available in British Sign Language, though a similar process exists for the NHS 111 number.

How does BSL 999 work?

Anyone using the BSL emergency service will be put through to a BSL interpreter, who will then relay the conversation to a 999 operator.

Unlike the existing text service for 999 (users have to register for that prior to use), the BSL 999 function does not require registration, meaning callers can use it as long as the app or webpage is open.

To make a call with 999 BSL, users need to open the app or webpage, then press a red button that will connect them to an interpreter.

Years of campaigning

This new service is long-overdue, with a number of charities and organisations campaigning for years.

Abigail Gorman, public affairs and policy manager at SignHealth, the deaf health charity, said: “This is a breakthrough for deaf people that will save lives and means one more step forward towards equality.

“We won’t be satisfied until deaf people have full and equal access, particularly to life-saving health services.”

James Watson-O’Neill, the chief executive of SignHealth, said the service was important for everyone and not just the deaf community.

“Deaf people can now contact emergency services directly and assist anyone in need of help. This is a huge breakthrough in terms of access and a moment worth celebrating,” he said.

What should you say in an emergency call to BSL 999?

If you should ever need to call the emergency services, there are three things to remember: Which, What, and where.

• Which emergency service do you need? Fire, Ambulance, police?
• What is the emergency? Someone in trouble? Is there a crime happening?
• Where is the emergency? Which road or street? A house number if possible?

If you have time and are not panicked, try to give as much information as you can, being as accurate as possible.