Today, a pilot 999 Emergency SMS service launched in the UK. This pilot is an initiative supported by the government, the telecommunication sector, the Emergency Services, Ofcom, and RNID. The service lets deaf, hard of hearing and speech-impaired people in the UK send an SMS text message to 999 service when in need of the police, ambulance, fire rescue, or coastguard. If this trial service is a success then the service will be launched during 2010.
Guido Gybels, Director of Technology at RNID said: "Access to 999 could literally be a matter of life and death, yet until now many people who are deaf or hard of hearing have found themselves unable to contact the emergency services while on the move. This pilot service therefore represents a major step forward and we hope that as many people with hearing loss as possible will register and take part. In doing so, they will help to make sure the best possible service is developed."
For more information and to register for the service, click here to go to the service website.