A lifesaving new service has been launched enabling deaf people to easily get in-touch with the emergency services.
People with hearing and speech problems can now text police, fire and ambulance services on their mobile phones, alerting them to concerns without having to face problems that could be linked to conventional methods.
Those using the SMS system will have to start their text with the word 'police', 'medic' or 'rescue' depending on which service they need, followed by the rest of their message.
The text will then be channeled to the relevant organisation and dealt with immediately.
Assistant director of Kent Fire and Rescue Steve Griffiths said: “We are delighted to be teaming up with our emergency services colleagues to launch this new service.
"It is really important to us that deaf people are able to contact us quickly and easily if they need our help- and this new service is a great solution.”
This new scheme was unveiled at Kent Police Headquarters in Maidstone on Tuesday as part of a joint initiative by Kent police, Kent County Council, and Kent Fire and Rescue.
Minister for Disabled People Anne McGuire said she was delighted to see the launch of the messaging service and would like to express her thanks to all the organisations that were able to make this happen.
County councillor Kevin Lynes said: “This is an excellent example of pooling resources with Kent police and Kent Fire and Rescue. This new initiative can quite literally save lives.'
Posters and leaflets advertising the initiative are currently being distributed in key locations around the county.
POSTED: 28/02/2008 06:00:00
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