A new 911 texting service in London and Middlesex County will give the deaf, hard of hearing and speech-impaired (DHHSI) the same emergency access as the rest of the population.
The text service gives 911 call centres the ability to converse during emergencies with people who may not otherwise be able to convey the information needed to respond to an emergency call.
“It’s something very important because it’s putting those individuals who are (in the DHHSI community) at the same level playing field as everyone else,” said London police Const. Sandasha Bough.
“If they need 911 services, they are now able to communicate with us.”
To get the service, a DHHSI person much first register with their cellphone service provider. When they need emergency services. They must still call 911, but there’s no need for them to speak since dispatchers will be notified the text service is required and will text the person in need.
Users must stay on the phone during the conversation to allow authorities to hear what’s happening at the scene and to monitor the situation.
The 911 text service is available in every province and territory except Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon.
London joins about 500 Ontario communities already equipped with the service, including Toronto, Windsor and Simcoe.
The service is available only to DHHSI people, and is in addition to the teletypewriter (TTY) service available to people with hearing loss that works by calling using the machine and pressing a space bar until they receive a response.
“It’s definitely a big step with regards to assisting those individuals who were unable to use the 911 system,” said Bough. “Now, they are able to communicate with us in a different manner and can communicate in a (more efficient) way.”
Tips about the new service
- Text messages should be brief and concise.
- Text abbreviations and slang should never be used; the idea is to be as clear as possible.
- If callers are outside or near the edge of the 911-served territory, the call may not reach the appropriate 911 call centre.
- Cellphones meeting the service requirements will be listed on wireless providers’ websites.
- Service should only be used for emergencies requiring police, firefighters or medical services.
- Do not call 911 to test the service. Your wireless service provider can confirm your registration.
Source: 911 texting eases access for deaf | The London Free Press
