For deaf people

  • Deaf or hard of hearing? 112 can now also be reached via app or SMS

    When you are deaf or hearing-impaired, or when you have a speech impediment, you can also contact the emergency centres by means of the app and by SMS.

    Both the app 112 BE and the SMS service are only available in Belgium.

    When you can contact the emergency centres by means of a normal voice call, please do not use the chat function of the app or the SMS service. By asking questions orally the operator can anticipate the answers faster. Moreover, by means of a normal voice call operators can provide medical accompaniment such as resuscitation instructions.

  • App 112 BE

    Remote video URL
  • Useful information

    To be able to optimally use the app, you should definitely switch on the localization function of your GSM and possibly the sound. The chat function will only be activated automatically when you have checked the box during the registration that you are deaf or hearing-impaired or have a speech impediment. The data you introduce during the registration are not systematically kept in the emergency centres, but are automatically sent to the operators when you make an emergency call by means of the app 112 BE.

  • SMS

    Remote video URL
  • Useful information

    When you request the specific numbers by SMS or e-mail, you declare on your word of honour that you cannot contact the emergency centres yourself by phone.

    You need to have a Belgian SIM card to use the SMS service.

    There is 1 number for the fire brigade and ambulance and 1 number for the police. In order not to waste any time, we advise you to use the number for the police if you only need police assistance. In the other cases, dial the number for the fire brigade and ambulance.

    As long as you are deaf or hearing-impaired, or have a speech impediment, you can use whatever GSM or GSM number to send an SMS to the emergency numbers.

    The emergency numbers cannot receive MMS.

    Do you have any questions or have you recently sent an emergency SMS? Then send your questions, experiences or remarks to 112@ibz.fgov.be.

    Do not test the emergency numbers. People using SMS "to play jokes" risk legal action to be taken against them.

    Just as for a voice call to the emergency numbers, messages by means of the app and SMS can be kept for a year by the emergency centres to improve their service. Of course the operators are bound by confidentiality. This is stated in article 125, § 1, 3° and article 128 of the law of 13 June 2005 regarding the electronic communication.