A new pilot emergency text service being introduced throughout the UK has begun in Dorset.
The service from Monday, 14 September is specifically for the use of the deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired.
It means that members of the public who are registered to use the service and are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment will be able to send a text message to 999 in an emergency situation.
The call operator will respond by calling for appropriate assistance to respond from any of the emergency services, including police, fire, ambulance and coastguard.
In Dorset, deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired people will also be able to continue using the 80999 text service throughout the duration of the pilot – which is due to finish at the end of November 2009.
The 80999 service was introduced in Dorset in September 2008 to improve emergency service access for the deaf, hard of hearing and speech impaired community and compliments the work of Dorset Police’s Police Link Officers for the Deaf service (PLOD).
Chief Insp Jared Parkin, Head of the Dorset Police Force Control Room, said: “Many of us are fortunate enough not to require the emergency services often, if at all, but the 999 emergency text service, along with the continued use of the 80999 number in Dorset, will give reassurance to people who cannot use voice telecommunications and reduce a significant barrier in an emergency situation.”
How to register for the 999 text service:
Text the word ‘register’ to 999. Then follow the instructions you receive.
You can also register online at: http://www.emergencysms.org.uk/.
Important points about the service:
The 999, and 80999, service is provided as a specific access service for people who cannot use voice telephony and is not an additional service for general contact. Voice contact to the 999 service in an emergency situation remains the method of contact for those able to access it. Dorset Police will take action against any individuals who misuse the 999 or 80999 service.
Dorset Police cannot be held responsible for delays in receiving messages. A person using the service will know their message has been received only when they receive a reply. Until a reply is received, it is advisable to try other ways to contact the emergency services. As with any text messaging system, no text messages are guaranteed to arrive quickly, and the service relies on the mobile phone companies and the network.
Non-emergency contact information:
The Dorset Police non-emergency text number, for the deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired is: 07766 425243.
The Dorset Police Link Officers for the Deaf (PLOD) scheme enables officers with British Sign Language, Lip Speaking and Deaf Blind skills to communicate with members of the Deaf community, ensuring equality of access to the police for people who are Deaf, Deafblind, Deafened and Hard of Hearing in Dorset.
