History of emergency number
There used to be a wide variety of local emergency centres and emergency numbers in Finland. The national emergency number 000 was introduced in 1983, and the common emergency number 112 of the EU in 1993.
The Emergency Response Centre Agency was established in 2001, and the emergency number 10022 of the police was in use until 2011. As the Emergency Response Centre Agency turned 20 in 2021, there is now a single networked Emergency Response Centre Agency in Finland and the emergency number 112, through which all assisting authorities can be reached.
The emergency number 000 became the nation-wide number in early 1983 when general emergency response centres were established in Finland. Prior to this, the inter-municipal fire emergency response centres introduced in late the 1950s only provided fire and rescue services. There were designated numbers for other services.
The emergency number 000 was in use between 1983 and 1993. All tasks were recorded on a form with a pencil as recently as in the 1980s and 1990s. Calls were forwarded through a public address system and sirens were used to sound an alarm.
New emergency number 112 introduced in 1993
The current emergency number 112 was introduced in Europe in early 1993. 112 is the common emergency number of the EU, but there are major differences between member states in how the emergency number works and is known within the EU. In many countries, those who need help still need to learn several different emergency numbers for different authorities.
At the turn of the millennium, an act on a State-run Emergency Response Centre Agency entered into force, and in 2001, a new Government agency was set up: The Emergency Response Centre Agency. Back then, Finns and other people in Finland gained access to a unique emergency response centre service, the emergency number 112, through which all assisting authorities could now be reached. The Emergency Response Centre Agency is tasked with answering emergency calls, evaluating their urgency and forwarding the task to rescue services, the police, the Border Guard, social services or health care authorities for immediate action.
In 2019, the nationwide emergency response centre information system used by all parties involved in the activities of the Emergency Response Centre Agency called ERICA was introduced. The introduction of the new emergency response centre information system has made it possible to deploy a networked operating model in emergency response centre operations. This allows for emergency response centre services to be produced with greater certainty and quality, including in the event of congestion and disruption.
The services of the Emergency Response Centre Agency are evolving and expanding
The Emergency Response Centre Agency turned 20 in 2021. The staff of the Emergency Response Centre Agency includes about 600 security experts working in the six emergency centres of the networked Emergency Response Centre Agency in Kerava, Turku, Pori, Kuopio, Vaasa and Oulu. In addition to the emergency number 112, the services provided by the Emergency Response Centre Agency include the 112 Finland application, the emergency text messaging service, hazard information and services related to automatic fire and crime reports.
There are already more than 1.9 million users of the 112 Suomi application. The emergency text messaging service can be used by people who cannot hear or be able to speak to report an emergency to 112. The emergency warnings issued by authorities are forwarded to the Finnish Broadcasting Company YLE, page 112 of the teletext service, the 112 mobile application, the 112.fi website and the Facebook and Twitter accounts of the Emergency Response Centre Agency. About 19,000 fire or burglar alarm systems are also connected to the Emergency Response Centre Agency’s system.
The Emergency Response Centre Agency is an agency of the Ministry of the Interior, and together, we can ensure that everyday safety belongs to all of us. At the Emergency Response Centre Agency, we are making Finland the safest country in the world. We are close whenever there is an emergency.
History of ERC number
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70s and 80s
1972 The number 112 becomes a general emergency number around the world due to its ease of use and clarity. The three-digit series is easy to remember.
1983 The national emergency number 000 is introduced in Finland and general emergency response centres are established. Prior to this, the inter-municipal fire emergency response centres introduced in late the 1950s only provided fire and rescue services. There were designated numbers for other services.
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90s
1991 The European emergency number 112 is presented at the EU Commission to supplement national emergency numbers and make emergency services available in all EU Member States. In July, the European Union decides to introduce the common emergency number 112.
1993 Finland introduces the EU common emergency number 112.
1997 Finland celebrates its first 112 Day and raises awareness of the EU common emergency number 112.
1998 Under EU rules, Member States must ensure that all users of fixed and mobile phones can call 112 free of charge.
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2000s
2001 The Finnish Emergency Response Centres Act enters into force on 1 January. At the same time, a new government agency called the Emergency Response Centre Agency is established, tasked with receiving and forwarding emergency notifications.
2002 The emergency number 112 becomes mandatory for all EU Member States.
2008 In February, Europe celebrates its first common 112 Day. The European Commission, together with the European Parliament and European Council, has declared 11 February as European 112 Day to broaden recognition of the emergency number 112 across the EU. In June, the EU Commission publishes a website for 112 ec.europa.eu/112, containing information for travellers in the EU in all official EU languages.
2009 From February, 112 becomes the official European emergency number.
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2010s
2011 In Finland, the police's own emergency number 10022 is connected to 112.
2015 in June, the Emergency Response Centre Agency introduces the 112 Suomi mobile app. When calling the emergency number 112 via the app, the location of the emergency call is automatically forwarded to the emergency response centre.
2017 Emergencies can also be reported by sending a text message to 112. The service requires pre-registration.
2019 The Emergency Response Centre Agency fully deploys a new emergency response centre information system that enables a networked operating model in the provision of emergency response centre services. When calling the emergency number 112, emergency calls can be received at any of the six emergency response centres in mainland Finland.
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2020s
2021 In June, Kela and the Emergency Response Centre Agency launch a pilot project to allow people to make emergency calls in Finnish sign language using the 112 Suomi mobile app.