999 sign language service for deaf people
By Gemma Raw
The UK's first ever emergency video relay service in British Sign Language (BSL) was launched in June.
999 BSL is facilitated by Sign Language Interactions, a leading provider of language professionals working with deaf people in the UK. The organisation has partnered with BT to deliver the service, which gives BSL users access to all four emergency services: fire, police, ambulance and coastguard.
"RNID and our supporters are thrilled that this vital service is now available for BSL signers in the UK, " said RNID Chief Executive Mark Atkinson. "Anyone needing the emergency services is facing a difficult, distressing and potentially life-threatening situation. Everyone must have timely and easy access to the emergency services and it’s brilliant news that deaf people will now have equal access to 999 in their first language."
How does it work?
The 999 BSL service can be accessed via a web-based platform or a smartphone app. The user is connected via video link with a BSL interpreter, who relays the conversation to the 999 operator. There's no need to complete any form of sign-up, registration or log-in. To use the service, you simply open the app or webpage and click on the 'Call 999 Emergency now' button. It's completely free of charge and is available 24/7/365.
A first for the telecoms industry
This is the first ever service of its kind for calls to the emergency services, although a text service has been available for some time and a similar BSL service already exists for the NHS 111 medical helpline.
At the same time as the launch, Ofcom announced that it would be compulsory for all telephone and broadband companies to carry the service from 17 June 2022, wherever it's technically feasible. The service must be provided free of charge to the end user, with BT supplying it on a wholesale basis and providers covering the cost to the customer.
Already a life saver
In August, a deaf man who was injured in a serious accident praised the 999 BSL service for saving his life. 75-year-old Chester resident Gordon Evans suffered burns when a gas bottle attached to a stove in his campervan exploded. "I just didn't know what to do," he told the BBC. "There wasn't any people around but luckily I realised I had a 999 BSL app on my phone. I really do think it's amazing. It saved my life."
Community Care has published practice guidance for social workers working with adults who are deaf. Find out more here
