Children can learn from a young age how to contact emergency services – even if they are deaf or hard of hearing. Explore the options below and work out what would work best for your child.
National Relay Service
The emergency services recommend that anyone with a hearing loss contact emergency services via the National Relay Service (NRS) rather than calling Triple Zero (000).
Why?
Voice Relay number 1800 555 727 (ask for Triple Zero) SMS relay number 0423 677 767 (ask for Triple Zero)
See the links to the NRS emergency calls web page for further information.
Free phone apps
There are two free mobile phone apps that make contacting emergency services and providing your location very simple.
- Emergency+ app uses GPS functionality built into smartphones to help a Triple Zero (000) caller provide critical location details required to mobilise emergency services. This app also allows people to initiate an NRS chat call.
- NRS app Triple Zero (000) calls can be made from the home screen of the app. Registration is not needed to use this feature although recommended.
Download the Real Life Tips infographic.
More information:
- National Relay Service – emergency calls 000 | Dept. of Infrastructure
- Emergency Plus app
- National Relay Service app