Deaf community gets 111 text service

File Photo / Herald on Sunday

Deaf or hearing impaired people will now be able to use a 111 text service to get help in an emergency.

"Deaf and hearing impaired people are big users of text, so we're delighted to be able to offer them a service that will put them on a par with the hearing population and better meet their needs," police spokesman Superintendent Andy McGregor said.

Police had been working closely with Deaf Aotearoa New Zealand, the New Zealand Fire Service and St John to develop the new service, he said.

Until now, deaf people had relied on faxes or teletypewriter phones to contact emergency services, he said.

"It's not an option for the general public, who should continue to call 111 if they have an emergency as speaking with callers remains the quickest way for us to get information," Mr McGregor said.

In September, emergency services and Deaf Aotearoa held a series of meetings around the country with the deaf community to explain the text service.

"We got an enthusiastic reception. People have been waiting for this for quite a while," he said.

Police would receive all emergency texts on behalf of the fire service and ambulance services and pass them on for action.

Registrations opened today for the service.

For more information go to the website www.police.govt.nz/deaf-txt, which launches this afternoon.

- NZPA