CONTEXT:

• 20 states and UTs have so far joined a pan-India network of single emergency helpline number ‘112’ on which immediate assistance can be sought by anyone in distress.
• The ‘112’ helpline is an integration of police (100), fire (101) and women (1090) helpline numbers and the project is being implemented under the Nirbhaya Fund.
• It is similar to ‘911’ in the United States.

BACKGROUND

• To trigger an emergency response, you can dial 112 from phone or press power button on smartphone 3 times quickly to activate a panic call to Emergency Response Centre (ERC)
• You can also visit ERSS website for the state and lodge emergency email or send SOS alert to state ERC.