How can I use 112 if I’m deaf or hard of hearing or if I have a speech impediment?
If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can place an emergency 112 call via your mobile telephone, tablet or computer using the Tolkcontact app (interpretation service). You can also use this app if you have a speech impairment.
Alternatively, you can use the 112NL app in emergency situations.
Contacting 112 by videocall or in writing via the mediation service
You can use the Tolkcontact app mediation service to contact the 112 emergency number 24 hours a day. Explain the situation in writing. Your 112 text alert will be forwarded to 112 immediately. You can also contact the 112 emergency number via the mediation service with the help of a Dutch Sign Language interpreter. This service is available 7 days a week from 07.00 to 20.00.
Chat with the control room via the 112NL app
The 112NL app service is available in addition to the 112 phone line. If you have difficulty hearing or speaking, or you do not speak Dutch, you can contact the control room using the 112NL app.
You can download the 112NL app for iOS or Android.
Contacting 112 via text message (SMS)
If you cannot easily call 112, you can also contact the control room to report an emergency situation via text message. This is known as an emergency SMS or e-SMS.
For example: you are in an emergency situation and you need the police, fire service or an ambulance but are unable to call the 112 emergency number. You can in this case send an e-SMS. If you send an e-SMS from an Android phone, it will share your exact location with the control room. This allows the police, fire service or ambulance to find and help you quickly.
To use the e-SMS service, you will need to register beforehand. Once you are registered, you can contact the control room by text message at any time.
Follow these steps to register: Text the word ‘aanmelden’ (register) to 112. You will receive a message asking you to confirm your registration. Confirm your registration by texting back ‘aanmelden akkoord’ (confirm registration) to 112.
If you would like more information see Sending a text message to the 112 emergency number.