Texting with 9-1-1

Texting with 9-1-1 (T9-1-1) is a service that is available for those who are hearing or speech impaired. This service provides 9-1-1 call-takers and emergency services with the ability to converse with hearing or speech-impaired callers during an emergency using text messaging.

In order to use the T9-1-1 service however, your cell phone must be compatible with T9-1-1 requirements, must be registered with your cell phone company, and have the capability to send and receive text messages. Please visit your cell phone company's website for details on registering your phone and its compatibility with T9-1-1 service.

Why is T9-1-1 not for everyone?

Voice calling remains the preferred way to communicate with 9-1-1 services for a person that is not hearing or speech impaired. During an emergency, time is of the essence and talking enables faster communication than texting. T9-1-1 calls require more time than a voice call to communicate with emergency services.

How to make a T9-1-1 call (if you are registered for the service)

Dial 9-1-1 on your cell phone if you are registered for T9-1-1 service. There is no need to speak as 9-1-1 call-takers receive an indicator that tells them when to communicate via text messaging. The 9-1-1 call-taker then initiates text messaging with the caller to address the emergency.

It is important to remember that the original call to 9-1-1 must be made by dialling 9-1-1 from your cell phone as this establishes direct contact with the 9-1-1 call-taker. Text messages sent to the digits “9-1-1” do not reach emergency services.

Dialling 9-1-1 provides the 9-1-1 call-taker with the caller's telephone number, which is used to initiate text messaging with the caller. Dialling 9-1-1 also provides the call-taker with the approximate location of the cell phone.

Dialling 9-1-1 also establishes a voice channel that enables the call-taker to hear any background noises, which can be very helpful to assess the emergency and to provide enhanced 9-1-1 functions.

Please do not call 9-1-1 to test the T9-1-1 service. Your cellular phone company can confirm your T9-1-1 registration.

For further information regarding the T9-1-1 service and what you need to know, visit textwith911.ca.