Pegasus scheme exceeds 500 milestone

A scheme designed to help those with communication difficulties during emergency situations now has more than 500 people signed up.

Hertfordshire Constabulary launched the Pegasus card scheme late last year (2023) in partnership with the East of England Ambulance Service and the Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

It allows members of the public who may find it difficult to communicate, especially in high stress situations, to pre-register their personal details and information about their specific needs.

Inspector Dean Board, who implemented the scheme in Herts, said: “The Pegasus scheme has had a great response from the public since it was launched in November.

“We now have more than 500 individuals signed up which means they feel confident that if they contact local police, fire or ambulance we can quickly access their details and tailor our response depending on their needs.

“People have communication difficulties for a whole range of reasons, for example some individuals who are neurodivergent, those who have suffered a medical episode such as stroke or someone who is living with dementia.

“We want people from all walks of life to feel confident when contacting the emergency services.”

Registration is easy, free-of-charge and involves providing a few simple details, which are held on a secure police database. It is open to everyone who lives or works in the county. Those who care for people with communication difficulties can also register on their behalf.

Following registration, the individual will then receive a membership card and a PIN.

When calling for assistance, the cardholder simply needs to say ‘Pegasus’ and quote their PIN for call handlers to provide the appropriate information to responding officers. There is also a Textphone option.

The card can also be shown in person to a police officer, paramedic or firefighter.

To find out more and to sign up visit Hertfordshire Constabulary’s website (opens in a new window).

The constabulary welcomes people from all walks of life and has Neurodiversity Champions in force to provide additional support as well as offering workplace adjustments to ensure colleagues thrive. Find out more about joining us on our careers website (opens in a new window).