The Finnish 112 Day proposes the following to the European Union: A uniform layout for the emergency number 112

In December, the national working group of the Finnish 112 Day proposed to the European Union that a single, uniform graphic layout should be adopted for the EU emergency number to improve recognition and recall of 112 throughout Europe.

The uniform 112 design could be used as an independent graphic element representing the emergency number in all EU Member States in all official communication related to the 112 emergency number and on how to make an emergency phone call.

According to Marjukka Koskela, the Chair of the national 112 Day working group, introducing a registered, uniform layout for the emergency number in all EU Member States would enhance public awareness and provide this important number with a symbol worthy of its European prominence. The EU star pattern could be incorporated into the design to highlight its pan-European nature.

An emergency phone number sign at the Vaalimaa border crossing

In September, the national working group of the Finnish 112 Day decided that a 112 sign will be erected at the Vaalimaa border crossing to inform those enteringFinlandof the 112 emergency number.

According to Koskela, this sign complies with the goal of the EU that all Member States should use the best possible locations for raising awareness of the 112 emergency number.

-          The pilot site selected for the sign is the Vaalimaa border crossing point which is also the eastern border ofEurope. The sign has the same text in Finnish, Swedish, English and Russian, Koskela explains.

If a uniform design for the 112 emergency number is approved at the EU level, the 112 sign could be registered as an official road sign in all Member States and be set up at various locations such as points of entry to a country including border crossing points, airports, ports, railway stations and bus stations.

Taking action to promote the emergency number

The national working group of the Finnish 112 Day hopes that both proposals would be discussed in committees to promote public awareness of the 112 emergency number and that they would proceed for further preparation to achieve a satisfactory end result.

InFinland, the objective of the national working group has been to accomplish one significant deed for the emergency number each year.  The aim has been to develop the campaign into a joint effort of safety authorities, NGOs and volunteer workers to enhance safety awareness among the general public, to prevent accidents, to expand co-operation between authorities, and to advertise on the correct use of the 112 emergency number.

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