112

[piskieinboots]

I'm sure I'm the last person in the world to know this - that is usually the case.

At my By-Invitation-Only speeding awareness yesterday, I learnt that should 'you' be in need of the emergency services but don't know of your location - don't call 999 call 112, it seems 999 takes ages to locate you, whereas 112 has the ability to do this instantly.

Well I never...

[zazen999]

I knew you'd learn something interesting.

Thanks for that - V useful.

[Farmer_Gyles]

112 is the EU emergency number - available throughout the EU including the UK, and in other parts of the world

the location thing works with GSM mobile phones - the telecom operator (mobile phone network) automatically transmits location with the phone call - doesn't mean the emergency services will get there any quicker tho!

in theory, all fixed landline phones will have a location recorded too, so emergency services should be able to locate you easily enough from landline or GSM mobile - what i don't know is whether there are any mobiles that are not GSM mobiles??

dialling 112 on a GSM phone in other countries should automatically redirect to that country's normal emergency service, ie, 911 in USA

[terrier]

Also if you dial 112 on your mobile and you are out of range of your coverage area, it will use any existing network to get emergency help. This is a worldwide standard and will even work if the keypad is locked. One of the few things in this world you get for nowt!

Oops! Cross posted again, really must try to type more quickly

[NOG]

In london you can call 911 and that will work.

If you call 112 from a Cell phone it will transmit on the strongest signal...no mater the phone provider....so if its an Orange and O2 is stronger it will call on that.

[SarzWix]

I didn't know that either!
It seems it's been around for ages too??!

[lizzylemon]

And there's me letting Tink play with me mobile thinking ....as long as she doesn't press 999.......seems Ive been lucky not to have the whole bloomin emergency services arrive at the house.

Very helpful info though - thanks for sharing.

[squashysu]

cheers piskie you learn something new everyday lol!

[digthatchick]

Thanks for the info Piskie - number stored in all our 'phones now.

[di]

I've always wondered why my mobile used to let Ash press the "1"s whilst it was locked!
Nope...I didn't know that either!

[Polly Fouracre]

Oddly enough I learned the same only last week on a first-aid course. Whether I'll remember it in an emergency is another thing!

[HeyWayne]

Very handy.

Just don't ask me to phone the police.

[tulip]

didn't know that, useful info. thanks Piskie.

[NOG]

In the States its law that even if there is not SIM in the Phone, its locked or encrypted you must still be able to call 911.

[MaureenHall]

I'll never remember 112!!! I'll have write it down and have it on the fridge, the microwave, the loo door and in my car Oh it might be an idea to have it near the phone too