North East Ambulance has launched new BSL relay service.
From May 2024, all ambulances have access to an iPad with the SignVideo app, which will allow staff to access BSL video relay services to communicate with Deaf and BSL users. This will help paramedics to undertake a triage and ensure Deaf/BSL user understand the next steps in their treatment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year.
It is estimated that there are 151,000 people in the UK who use British Sign Language and, of these, 87,000 are Deaf. It is important this on-demand accessibility allows BSL users to communicate and respond in emergency situations when paramedics ask questions about their health needs and medical history.
Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Mark Johns said: “As an emergency service, we are committed to delivering high quality patient care and ensuring all patients receive prompt and effective communication during emergency situations.
“Recently, our crews have attended emergencies and upon arrival, we have faced challenges communicating with the people with hearing loss as the current provision stops after the call is made and staff arrive at the scene. This communication barrier is something that we wanted to resolve and therefore have partnered with SignVideo to address this service gap.”
Rachel Austin, Coordinator from Hartlepool Deaf Centre said: “Deaf BSL users struggle to access the Ambulance service and many other services because of the communication barriers and the lack of support and assistance that is available.
“It’s great to see this new service being introduced by NEAS as it will hopefully remove a barrier that people experience and provide a useful tool to support Deaf BSL users and paramedics to communicate with each other in challenging and difficult circumstances. It will help to save more lives, ensure people get the best outcome and help achieve equality between Deaf and hearing people.”
95% of staff have received training as we roll out this BSL video relay service. Effective and timely communication is hugely important to ensure people receive the best care and can access the full range of services at North East Ambulance Service.
