SANFORD, Fla. — Seminole County leaders are highlighting new efforts to help people during an emergency.

The county recently launched a text translation tool, featuring at least 30 languages, for their Text To 911 service.

What You Need To Know

  • Seminole County recently launched a text translation tool, featuring at least 30 languages, for their Text To 911 service

  • The new feature allows individuals to send text messages in their native language, with real-time automatic translation interpreting the message into English for the call taker, and the process also works in reverse for a response

  • The new technology removes language barriers for call takers, and the person texting will get a response in seconds, saving crucial time during emergency calls

  • Officials say this is a new service that’s being rolled out across the country, and as more languages are built into their network, the county plans to expand as well

“This is a great benefit to our 911 call takers and dispatchers because it allows the individual to text 911 in their native language and the call taker automatically gets a translation to English. They respond in it will translate automatically back in text to their native language on their cell phone,” Seminole County Emergency Manager Alan Harris said.

The new feature allows individuals to send text messages in their native language, with real-time automatic translation interpreting the message into English for the call taker, and the process also works in reverse for a response. 

“Before this service was available, individuals at the 911 call center would have to get an outside resource to translate those text messages,” Harris said.

The new technology removes language barriers for call takers, and the person texting will get a response in seconds, saving crucial time during emergency calls. 

“It saves a lot of time. So, when seconds count, instead of having to get an outside party to come in, this automatically changes that language to a language the call taker can understand,” Harris said.

Harris said as more diverse populations move into Seminole County, this translation service that works with at least 30 different languages will increase public safety. 

“Just last month, we had 453 calls that required language line services, that translation services,” Harris said.

Keri Troyano, communications manager with the Seminole County Fire Department, said this program is a welcomed initiative in the communication center.

“The worst day of your life and you’re able to communicate in your natural language and using the words that are familiar to you and be able to describe what happened in your language and to know that the operator is understanding you just as you said it, I think is invaluable,” Troyano said.

Harris said this is a new service that’s being rolled out across the country, and as more languages are built into their network, the county plans to expand as well.