What is European 112 Day?

European 112 Day is observed annually on February 11 to raise awareness about the 112 emergency number, which is available across all European Union member states and some non-EU countries, such as Switzerland and Turkey. By dialing 112, people can access emergency services, including police, fire, and medical assistance, no matter where they are in these countries.

The day serves as a reminder of the importance of knowing and using 112 in emergencies. Various campaigns and educational initiatives take place to ensure that people understand when and how to use the number effectively.

History and Origin

The European Union introduced 112 in 1991 as a standardized emergency number for all member states. The aim was to ensure that people traveling across Europe could easily access emergency services without needing to remember different national emergency numbers.

Since December 2008, 112 has been reachable from both fixed and mobile networks free of charge in all EU countries. Despite its availability, awareness of the number remained low, leading to the establishment of European 112 Day in 2009. The date, February 11 (11/2), was chosen because it corresponds to the emergency number itself.

Who Observes European 112 Day?

• Emergency services, including police, fire departments, and medical teams, promote the use of 112 and educate the public.
• Government agencies organize campaigns to spread awareness about the emergency number.
• Schools and educational institutions teach students about the importance of knowing 112.
• NGOs and safety organizations support awareness initiatives and public safety programs.
• The general public participates by learning about and sharing information on 112.

Slogans and Themes

European 112 Day focuses on safety, preparedness, and accessibility. The main message is to ensure that everyone knows when and how to use 112 in emergencies. Common slogans include “Know 112, Save Lives,” “One Number, All Emergencies,” and “112 – Your Lifeline in Europe.”

Colors, Symbols, and Patterns

Colors

• Red represents urgency and emergency response.
• Blue symbolizes trust and reliability in emergency services.
• White stands for safety and clarity in communication.

Symbols

• A telephone icon with 112 represents emergency communication.
• A shield symbolizes protection and security.
• A siren or flashing light is commonly associated with emergency services.

Patterns

• Signal waves represent quick communication and emergency response.
• Roadway markings symbolize safety in travel and public spaces.
• Grid-like structures reflect coordination between different emergency services.

How to Observe European 112 Day

• Learn about 112 and share information with family and friends.
• Participate in educational events or public awareness campaigns.
• Follow emergency service organizations on social media to stay informed.
• Encourage schools and workplaces to educate people about using 112 correctly.
• Spread awareness using the official hashtags.

Most Used Hashtags

• #112Day
• #Know112
• #EmergencyNumber
• #SafeEurope
• #Call112

Why is European 112 Day Important?

This day plays a crucial role in educating people about the 112 emergency number and ensuring that more individuals know how to use it correctly. Many lives have been saved because people were aware of and able to access emergency services quickly.

Raising awareness helps create a safer society by improving response times and ensuring that emergency calls are used efficiently. European 112 Day continues to be a key moment for spreading life-saving knowledge across the continent.