The TTY system

E-Comm can accept 9-1-1 calls from the hearing impaired through TTY (telephone typewriter) units.

If a caller uses a TTY, the caller should:

  • Stay calm and dial 9-1-1 from their TTY device
  • Give the 9-1-1 call-taker a moment to respond (this is important). The 9-1-1 call-taker should answer you by typing "911, Police, Ambulance or Fire GA" (for "Go Ahead".)
  • Tell the 9-1-1 call-taker what you need by typing: "police, fire department, or ambulance." Type your name, address and phone number and confirm where help is needed.
  • Stay on the telephone/TTY if it is safe to do so. Answer the 9-1-1 call-taker's questions.

If a Deaf or hearing/speech impaired caller doesn't have a TTY, the caller should dial 9-1-1 from a landline telephone and not hang up. The line will remain open. If you are calling from your home phone or a business telephone (a phone that plugs directly into a telephone outlet in the wall) the caller's address is displayed on the 9-1-1 call-taker's screen. This will allow the 9-1-1 call-taker to send police. Please note that your name and address do not display from cellular phones or a phone that is connected to your computer (known as Internet or VoIP phones).

For more information on TTY contact:

Kim Singh, Operations Manager, E-Comm 9-1-1
604-215-5000
Email: kim.singh@ecomm911.ca

Marjorie Cameron, Well Being Program
TTY: 604-456-0903
Email: marjorie.cameron@vch.ca

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Calling 9-1-1