In order to avail emergency services such as the Police, Fire Force (Fire & Rescue), and Ambulance, a single number, 112, has been designated for immediate assistance. This initiative aims to streamline and simplify the process of contacting emergency services throughout the country. It replaces the traditional emergency number, 100, specifically for contacting the police.
The transition to 112 as the central control room number ensures that all emergency calls are directed to a unified command center. Previously, when dialing 100, the call would be routed to the control room of the respective district. However, with the implementation of 112, the centralized control room at the police headquarters will receive your call, regardless of your location. This change enables a more efficient and coordinated response to emergencies.
Once you dial 112, the control room promptly collects the necessary information about the nature and location of the emergency. This information is then relayed to the police vehicle closest to the incident location, thanks to the utilization of GPS technology. The control room is able to determine the real-time position of each police vehicle, enabling them to dispatch the appropriate resources swiftly.
The message containing the details of the emergency is sent directly to the device or tablet attached to the designated police vehicle. This ensures that the responding officers have immediate access to the relevant information and can take appropriate action accordingly. Simultaneously, a similar message is also transmitted to the district control rooms for coordination and record-keeping purposes.
Furthermore, the system is designed to account for situations where the caller is outside the network coverage area. In such cases, the message is transmitted wirelessly to ensure seamless communication and prompt response to emergencies.
It’s important to note that this emergency service is available to all individuals, whether they are calling from mobile phones or landlines. Even if a landline does not have outgoing call capabilities or if a mobile SIM card is temporarily disabled, you can still contact emergency services through 112.
The introduction of 112 as the single control room number for emergency services signifies a significant step towards an integrated and efficient emergency response system. By centralizing the communication and dispatch process, it enables a quicker and more coordinated approach to handling emergencies, ultimately enhancing public safety and well-being.