Skip links

999 BSL – UK Emergency Video Relay Service

999 BSL connects users to British Sign Language interpreters through an app or a web-based platform. They will relay the conversation to the emergency service/s.

health_and_safety

Safety

The UK’s first-ever Emergency Video Relay Service for British Sign Language (BSL) was launched in June 2022.

It enables BSL users to contact the emergency services through a BSL interpreter.

How does it work?

Users can download the app, available on iOS or Android, or access the service via the 999 BSL web platform.

When you make an emergency video call on the app, you’re put through to a BSL interpreter who takes key information from you. This will include things like what the emergency is, where it is and who is affected. It’s important to try to remain calm and answer the questions you’re asked as well as you can.

The interpreter is then connected to the relevant emergency control room, such as Staffordshire and West Midlands Fire Control. The interpreter speaks to the control room, relays the information you’ve provided and can ask you any further questions they might have and get the answers from you.

If you’ve given permission, they can also get your location from the app, to help them quickly identify where you are.

Once the emergency control room has all the information they need, they’ll mobilise the relevant emergency response.

When to use it?

The 999 BSL service is for emergency situations ONLY. Examples include a fire, someone seriously hurt, lives at risk or a serious offence that’s happening right now or has just been committed.

For less urgent situations, please call Police 101 (wherever possible) or NHS111 through SignVideo, as appropriate.

How do you download the app?

You can download the app for your mobile device from the relevant app store.

Download on Google Play Store

Download on Apple App Store

If you can’t download the app, you can use the service live on the BSL 999 website.

Other related safety topics

Fire Control staff member working at screens in the control room
BT Relay Service
If you can’t make voice calls, there’s an emergency BT Relay Service you can use. You have to register via text or download the app before you can use it, so it's best to do that before you need it.
A red first aid box
First Aid
First aid can be crucial for saving someone's life in an emergency. Here's some basic first aid information that might help.
UK Emergency Alerts, showing a phone with an alert on.
UK Emergency Alerts
Emergency Alerts are messages sent to all compatible 4G and 5G mobile phones when there’s a danger to your life, health or property in the area you’re located.
A smart phone about to dial 999
Dialling 999 or 112
You always hope that an emergency will never happen to you. But if it does, dialling 999 and knowing what to say or do is important.

Services we offer related to 999 BSL – UK Emergency Video Relay Service

A firefighter talking through our Safe and Well booklet with a home owner
Safe and Well
Safe and Well visits are an important part of our prevention activity. They enable us to advise and educate on safety at home, with a particular focus on our most vulnerable residents.