In a significant step towards inclusive emergency services, the South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) and the National Fire Agency (NFA) today announced the official launch of the groundbreaking ‘119 Sign Language Interpretation System.’ This new system will empower individuals with hearing and speech impairments to directly contact emergency services via video calls, eliminating previous barriers and promising faster, more accurate responses in critical situations.
For years, reporting emergencies to 119 (South Korea’s equivalent of 911) presented considerable challenges for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. The established protocol required individuals to first contact the Sonmali-eum Center (represented by the number 107), a dedicated telecommunications relay service. They would then explain their emergency to a sign language interpreter or through text, who would subsequently relay the information to the 119 emergency dispatch center.
While the Sonmali-eum Center has been a vital resource since its inception in 2005, operated by the National Information Society Agency (NIA), the indirect reporting method had inherent limitations. Crucially, when 119 received a call from the interpreter rather than the individual experiencing the emergency, they lacked direct access to the caller’s precise location data. This often resulted in delays and difficulties in pinpointing the emergency site, hindering swift and effective dispatch of emergency responders, a critical factor in time-sensitive situations like fires, medical emergencies, and crimes.
Recognizing these limitations and the urgent need for a more direct and efficient system, MSIT and the NFA collaborated to develop the innovative ‘119 Sign Language Interpretation System.’ This newly implemented infrastructure establishes a seamless video communication link between the 119 Emergency Operations Center and the Sonmali-eum Center.
Under the new system, when a 119 call operator receives an emergency report – initiated via a dedicated application or potentially through enhanced smartphone accessibility features – from an individual identified as having a hearing or speech impairment, the operator can immediately connect with a sign language interpreter at the Sonmali-eum Center. This initiates a real-time, three-way video call, allowing the 119 operator to directly communicate with the person in need through the interpreter.
The key advantage of this direct video link is the ability for the 119 system to directly access the caller’s accurate location information. This is typically achieved through smartphone GPS or other location-based services integrated into the emergency reporting application or system. Knowing the precise location from the outset will drastically reduce response times, allowing firefighters, paramedics, and police officers to reach the scene of an emergency much faster, potentially saving lives and minimizing damage.
The Sonmali-eum Center, which translates to "hand-voice connection center," has played a crucial role in bridging the communication gap for the hearing and speech impaired community for two decades. It provides round-the-clock real-time interpretation services via sign language, text, and relay calls, enabling communication over standard phone lines. The integration of their expertise into the 119 emergency response system through video conferencing is a natural and progressive evolution of their vital service.
During a visit to the Sonmali-eum Center today, Minister of Science and ICT You Sang-im emphasized the government’s commitment to digital inclusivity. "Our goal is to ensure that every citizen, regardless of their abilities, can fully benefit from digital technologies without facing discrimination or exclusion," Minister You stated. "The launch of the 119 Sign Language Interpretation System is a significant step in expanding the reach of digital public welfare support and creating a safer and more accessible society for all."
The implementation of this system is expected to have a profound positive impact on the safety and well-being of South Korea’s hearing and speech impaired population. By removing the intermediary step and enabling direct communication with emergency services, the new system not only streamlines the reporting process but also enhances the accuracy of information relayed and significantly accelerates emergency response times.
While the initial announcement focuses on the video call capability, further developments are anticipated. These could include enhanced features within the dedicated emergency reporting application, such as pre-set emergency scenarios that users can select, visual aids for communication, and integration with other accessibility features on smartphones. Public awareness campaigns and training for both emergency responders and the hearing and speech impaired community will also be crucial for the successful adoption and utilization of this new system.
The ‘119 Sign Language Interpretation System’ represents a significant advancement in emergency communication accessibility in South Korea, setting a potential benchmark for other nations striving to create more inclusive and responsive emergency services for all their citizens. The collaborative effort between the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Fire Agency underscores the importance of leveraging technology to address the needs of vulnerable populations and ensure equitable access to critical public safety resources.
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