NEAS INTRODUCES BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE RELAY SERVICE FOR DEAF EMERGENCY PATIENTS IN ENGLAND

NEAS Introduces British Sign Language Relay Service for Deaf Emergency Patients in England June 16, 2024VenkatAwareness, Hearing0 Last week, the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) in England introduced a groundbreaking British Sign Language (BSL) Relay Service to assist deaf individuals during emergencies. Starting in May, all ambulances in the region are now equipped with iPads featuring the SignVideo app. This app enables first responders to communicate more effectively with Deaf and BSL patients by connecting to a video interpreter in real-time, which enhances communication during critical moments and potentially saves more lives. This new service allows ambulance crews to access a BSL interpreter 24/7, helping them to better assess patients’ conditions and understand their immediate medical needs. The app facilitates vital communication, such as asking life-saving questions and explaining care procedures. NEAS’s engagement, diversity, and inclusion manager, Mark Johns, highlighted that although health advisors already had BSL relay support, this new initiative addresses communication barriers that crews and Deaf patients often encounter, making emergency interactions more efficient and inclusive. The implementation of the SignVideo service marks a significant step toward achieving equity in healthcare for BSL users, who often face challenges accessing emergency services. The app, created by Deaf entrepreneur Jeff McWhitney in 2004, is already widely used across various UK sectors for instant BSL translation. With over 100,000 video calls annually, it ensures quick response times, crucial for emergency situations. This initiative in North East England is part of a broader effort to improve emergency communications for the Deaf community globally, aiming to enhance outcomes and promote equality.