Since 2009, the European 112 Day is being celebrated on the 11th of February. This date was introduced as a way to raise awareness among the public on the common European emergency number ‘112’.
More and more Europeans travel within the EU. Therefore, having a common emergency number for all the EU Member States is significant for public safety. Available free of charge, 24/7, anywhere in the European Union, this 112 number is still largely unknown, with only 48% of the EU citizens recognising this number as the one to call the emergency services, including the police, emergency medical services and the fire brigade.
As such, both the European Emergency Number Association (EENA) and the European Commission are making efforts to promote the number and its proper use. The most recent example is the 112 awareness campaign of Airbnb that, in partnership with EENA, updated their safety cards in Europe to include the 112 number and inform travellers about it. Another key action from the European Commission is being done through Erasmus+ network, with the Erasmus+ National Agencies being asked to inform the participants involved in the programme about 112, and especially the youngest, the ones travelling the most across borders.
Well-functioning emergency services are of vital importance for patients’ safety and for the healthcare professionals, and nurses in particular, to be able to ensure and contribute to the health and safety of the public.