But he could not do it because he was born deaf.

He had to SMS his brother, who in turn called for the ambulance.

This roundabout way of reaching emergency services will not happen again for the 62-year-old Mr Batchelor: An SMS alert system launched yesterday will put such services within direct reach of those with hearing and/or speech impairments.

With the alert system set up by the Singapore Police Force in collaboration with the National Council of Social Service

(NCSS), all they need to do is send a text message to 70999.

This service is available to those with hearing or speech problems who register in advance with their respective voluntary welfare organisations.

Normal SMS rates apply for each message sent.

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng said at the launch of SMS70999: 'This joint initiative shows that the police are constantly innovating to better meet the needs of the community they serve.'

Using sign language, MrBatchelor, a retired father of two, said: 'This will help me reach paramedics so much faster as I don't have to waste time messaging other people for help first.'

The NCSS said the new service will benefit about 7,000 people with hearing or speech handicaps.

Mr Batchelor is glad for the SMS service, but said he hoped not to have to use it any time soon.

He said in sign language: 'This is good but, of course, I don't want to use it often...because it would mean something bad has happened.'