TEXT 999
Deaf and speech impaired residents across Merseyside are now able to contact the Fire, Police, Ambulance and Coastguard with details of an emergency simply by texting 61051.
There are an estimated 250,000 people who have hearing loss living in Merseyside, including 5,000 who are deaf and communicate through British Sign Language.
The system has been developed through a partnership of Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, Merseyside Ambulance Service, HM Coastguard and deaf support groups, including Merseyside Society for Deaf People.
Through the new initiative, texts will be sent to the police control room by mobile phone network O2. Callers are asked to supply the location of the incident and a brief description of what's happened. A reply will then be sent to the phone user so they know their message has been received. However the caller is also advised to continue to seek help by other means, as the text service cannot guarantee an instant response, depending on the demands of the mobile phone network.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Mike Hagen said: "This is a big step forward in opening up access to the emergency services to people with hearing or speech impairments. It is making excellent use of the latest technology to help overcome barriers for some of our more vulnerable residents."
The number - 61051 - is only available if the emergency takes place in the Merseyside area and is only for people who are Deaf, hearing impaired or speech impaired. The number is not for general use and anyone caught sending hoax texts would be prosecuted.
For further information contact the Deaf advocates at Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service on voice phone:
0151 220 0118; Minicom: 0151 220 4143; or Typetalk to Minicom: 18002 0151 220 4143
Sam Grady
Publicity Officer
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service
0151 296 4417
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