Oliver Richardson: Contacting 999 – a toolbox approach for deaf people (BSL)

Registration: You need to register in advance – this can be done by texting “Register” to 999 and replying ‘Yes’ to the reply. You only need to do this once.

After registering, you can text “999” – send a text message with what service you require, the location of the incident, and what’s happening.

You will get a text response and if the emergency call taker needs more answers or has any questions you will receive follow up texts.  As long as you have mobile signal this will work so can be option if there is limited or low quality signal.

Further information can be found at: – https://www.relayuk.bt.com/how-to-use-relay-uk/contact-999-using-relay-uk.html 

Next Generation Text Relay (NGTR) / Text phone

As long as you have the NGTR app/text phone you can dial 18000 – this will connect you to a trained BT text relay call handler who will relay your call to the emergency services

Registration: Need to ensure app is set up and linked to a device capable of making calls. You would need to make the call from said device the allow the connection to be made. The relay operator will type any questions/responses from the emergency call handler.

Minimum requirements: 3G/Wifi.

Further information: https://www.relayuk.bt.com/how-to-use-relay-uk/contact-999-using-relay-uk.html 

Note: Texting 999 will connect you to the emergency call handler at BT Next Generation Text relay who also handle the 18000 calls received.

TapSOS

This is a ‘non-verbal way to contact the emergency services.’

An app that utilises pictures that generates a text with key info for you to send to emergency services.

Works very similar to the option of texting 999. Once the app is set up you select the various pictures/options as it guides you through the 999 call process.

This generates a text message which, depending on your phone, is sent automatically or you receive a notification requesting that the message is sent.

Any replies will come to your text messages app and subsequent responses will need to be replied to by typing out in the text message app.

The app is great for generating the first 999 text message quickly as it captures all the key information needed. There are some limitations with the kind of emergencies seen in the app and not being able to add additional information to the text. Could be useful in ensuring key information is not missed.

Pre-requistes: Tap SOS app, also needs to be set up with profile page completed in full.

More information: https://tapsos.com

Other options that exist

These are suggestions for a true emergency, when other options have failed. We do not recommend these, but include them in case they are useful.

Voice 999: dial 999 and use voice and repeat who where what and keep repeating until help arrives or someone can take over – ie service service – address address – what’s happened – repeat.

Hearing caller – finding a neighbour, flagging down a vehicle etc – not easy but always a option. May not be viable depending on situation or where you are.

Location/address tools

Another app worth considering is downloading what 3 words, which basically divides the world into 3x 3m squares by allocating each one 3 words.

This may be useful in helping explain where you are if you’re in a remote area or on motorways, as you can copy and paste those 3 words into the text or sign them etc.

This avoids issues when trying to explain where you are especially when lots of addresses have similar sounding road names etc or in a large park and trying to explain where you are. I have used this quite successfully due to living remotely and post code directs to a location around 1 mile down road.

https://what3words.com/

Regardless of all the above 

Keep calm. Remember: Who Where What

Who – police fire ambulance coastguard. ( highways/mountain /cave rescue via police )

Where – address of the incident

What – what’s happening

– highlight – summary

– injuries – what if applicable – call handlers will give further instructions if needed

– hazards – anything that may aid emergency services in coordinating their response

Hopefully we won’t have to use this toolbox but it’s important to consider the various options and be aware of any limitations present.

Oliver is a drinking water scientist at work, at play he enjoys getting out and about especially in his kayak whether it’s on a sea,lake or even waterfalls. Through both his work and hobbies he has unfortunately  has been required to call the emergency services on a small number of occasions over the year. With the introduction of 999BSL and Tap SOS he took the opportunity to refresh his toolbox and understand the options in case there is a need to consult the emergency services in future including any limitations.