The new, upgraded 112 system will support voice calls and text messages, live video, and location data. This is the pan-European emergency number that citizens call to receive assistance from the relevant government agencies.

The agreement between the Civil Protection Agency and CYTA has already been signed, though it will take 20 months to implement the project. The goal is to provide more comprehensive and timely information to the teams responding to critical incidents.

“If, for example, an accident occurs, someone at the scene can provide video footage from the accident site and, even before the ambulance arrives, can give instructions— such as first aid, to those who need it and are seeking help. Also, if there’s a fire and the first person to spot it sends a video or a photo to government agencies, they’ll certainly have a better picture of the situation.” ^{Panagiotis Liasidis, Civil Defense Press Officer}

When a citizen calls 112, their location will automatically appear on the screens of the authorities, while the upgraded system will also support automatic eCall alerts for cases where the person is unable to call for help on their own.

“Cars are equipped with a system that, in the event of an accident— a serious accident, of course, sends a message to the 112 call center, specifying the location of the accident, and certainly, even if the driver is unable to speak or anything like that, emergency services will know exactly where the accident occurred.” ^{Panagiotis Liasidis, Civil Defense Press Officer}

“It will ensure equal access for all people, including those with disabilities, to emergency services, thereby enhancing safety and the protection of human life.” ^{Konstantinos Ioannou, Minister of the Interior}

The system will serve all emergency response services, including the Fire Department, the Police, the Ambulance Service, and the National Guard.

Watch the report by Rafaella Stavrinou