999 BSL is a service that allows BSL users talk to the emergency services through an interpreter. It is completely free to use.
You can use the 999 BSL service on your smartphone or tablet through their app. The app is available for Apple devices and Android.
You can also speak to an interpreter on any device through the 999 BSL website – www.999bsl.co.uk
- Open the app or visit the 999 BSL website.
- Press the big red button that says, ‘Call 999 Emergency now’.
- This will open a video chat with a BSL interpreter. They will ask you where you are and which emergency service you need – police, ambulance, fire brigade or the coastguard.
- The interpreter will help you talk to the 999 operator. They will ask you lots of questions about what is going on. Try and stay calm, give them as much information as you can and follow their instructions.
- The 999 operator will quickly send you the help you need
You should only use 999 BSL in an emergency. This could be:
- if someone is badly hurt or very unwell and needs a doctor right away
- if someone’s life is in danger
- if there is a fire
- if someone is committing a crime
- if someone is in a dangerous situation and needs help straight away.
You shouldn’t use BSL 999 if there isn’t an emergency. This will waste the emergency services’ time and it could take longer for other people to get help.
If you are unsure if something is an emergency or not, use 999 BSL. It is better to be safe that sorry.
No. You can call 999 BSL immediately from any device using the app or website – no registration needed!
Yes, you will need to have an internet connection to use 999 BSL. This could be through WiFi or mobile data (for example, 3G, 4G or 5G).
If you have run out of data, don’t worry! As 999 BSL is an emergency service, your mobile network should still let you connect.
Yes, you can contact 999 via written messages. There are several text services you can use to contact the emergency services. You can:
- call 18000 on a textphone. This is an older device that connects to a landline phone and it looks like a computer keyboard with a small screen. When you use a textphone, it connects you to a relay assistant who can talk to the other person and type out what they say. These days, not many people use textphones, but if you do have one in your home you can still use it to call 999 in an emergency.
- write messages to a relay assistant using the RelayUK app. The relay assistant will speak to the 999 operator, read them your messages and type out the 999 operator’s words for you to read.
- send a text message to 999. Make sure to say which emergency service you need, where you are and what is happening. To use this service, you must register your phone in advance. Text ‘Register’ to 999 to sign up.
