Karnataka now has an all-in-one emergency helpline number, 112, which will include the police, fire brigade, ambulance among other services.
Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, on Thursday, launched the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS), which several States across the country have already implemented.
ERSS is an automated system designed to address distress signals from citizens in the form of voice calls, SMS, e-mails and SOS requests .Citizens can report an emergency by dialling 112 or by pressing the power button of their smartphone three times in quick succession.
“The ERSS will be helpful to citizens, especially working women and physically challenged persons. This system can respond to any SOS calls, including police, fire, ambulance, traffic-related issues, natural or man-made calamities, information or guidance for tourists, counselling. Citizens can use it to report suspicious activities,” said Mr. Yediyurappa.
Implementation will take place in a phased manner as the police department augments its staff and fleet of vehicles. Around 183 emergency vehicles have been deployed across the State, and the fleet will be increased to 500 over a period of time. The Chief Minister flagged off 30 vehicles which will respond to 112 calls. They will be added to the over 300 Hoysala patrol vehicles operating in and around the city.
An app, ‘112 India’, allows smartphone users to send panic signals in case of an emergency. It also has a ‘Shout’ feature than can be used anywhere in the country. When a panic signal is sent using 112, all emergency contacts are informed and immediate help is provided by the personnel nearby, said officials.
Director General & Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) Neelamani N. Raju said that the existing emergency response numbers 100 (police) and 101 (Fire and rescue services), 108 (ambulance) and other helplines will eventually be merged and integrated into the unified 112 number.
