With the European Union marking the international emergency number '112' on Tuesday, the Brussels Fire Brigade has released advice for residents who find themselves in an emergency.
Every year, the EU celebrates all the hard work and coordination that goes into making the 112 telephone service effective and connected for all European citizens.
The day is marked on 11 February (the 11th day of the 2nd month = 112). It was established by the EU in 2009 to promote the appropriate use of the European emergency number 112.
In Belgium, people can call 112 (EU-wide) or 100 (only in Belgium) in case of an emergency. Responders are based at the CU112 call centre, who respond to emergency calls 24/7.
Security app
In a press release to mark the 'European 112 day', the Brussels Fire Brigade has urged residents to download their app, which has been downloaded around 2,250,000 times in Belgium.
The 112 BE app was launched in 2017. It gives people quick access to the emergency service they need by clicking on the fire brigade, ambulance or police icon.
With the app, emergency centres can also geolocate people more easily, and the user can record useful information about themselves. For example, in the case of deafness, diabetes, heart disease or allergy to certain medications. This will enable the emergency services to take this into account directly.
If someone is unable to speak or hear, they can even communicate with the centre by text message. The application also allows you to call 1772 for non-urgent interventions, such as damage caused by bad weather. Other useful numbers are also listed and accessible, such as: Card Stop, Doc Stop and Poison Control Centre.
Advice when making a call
The Fire Brigade also have provided advice for those making an emergency call:
- Give the exact address of the incident.
- Answer all our questions precisely.
- Speak slowly and calmly, we take note of everything you say.
- Don't worry if the call lasts a few minutes, the 112 operator can send help during the call
