112: three European digits to save lives

1.00.00am GMT Thu 11th Feb 2010

Thursday 11 February 2010 (11-2) is European '112' day. The aim is to publicise the new pan-European emergency number.

London Liberal Democrat MEP Sarah Ludford, giving the campaign her full support, said:

"The number of people buzzing back and forth in Europe increases every year. Having one single emergency number means that anyone can instantly remember how to make an emergency call no matter which EU country they visit."

"The simple solution of one single 112 emergency number in all 27 EU member states really does save lives. Yet 3 out of 4 of all EU citizens are still in the dark about its existence."

"The European Union institutions, along with national and regional authorities, must work much harder to raise awareness of these three crucial digits. People's lives may depend on it."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For more information about the European emergency number campaign, and European 112 day, please see www.112foundation.eu.