Instructions Location forms How to use ERC number 112 Suomi application FAQ

Instructions

Preparing for electricity shortages

When you make preparations for power cuts, it is good to consider how the Emergency Response Centre’s services work in the event of disturbances and how to call 112 in an emergency.
Preparing for electricity shortages

An animal in distress

In emergency situations involving animals, you should only call the 112 emergency number if there is a significant threat to public safety or if special equipment or expertise that can be provided by the authorities is required.
Instructions for animal situations

Exceptional circumstances

Storms, for example, can quickly create exceptional circumstances that lead to multiple members of the public calling the emergency number simultaneously. These kinds of sudden peaks in the number of calls can momentarily overload ERCs’ capacity.
Instructions for exceptional circumstances

Missing children hotline number 116000

The Missing Child Hotline is intended for non-urgent calls. In an emergency, always call the emergency number 112.
When to call?

Location forms - other languages: EN, EE, FRA, GE, RU

  • En cas d’urgence
    0.59MB pdf

    Location form in French. The position information of the holiday home must be stored in a visible place, for example inside the door.

  • Im falle eines dringenden notfalls
    0.6MB pdf

    Location form in Germany. The position information of the holiday home must be stored in a visible place, for example inside the door.

  • In case of emergency
    0.59MB pdf

    Location form in English. The position information of the holiday home must be stored in a visible place, for example inside the door.

  • Kiireloomulises hädaolukorras
    0.62MB pdf

    Location form in Estonian. The position information of the holiday home must be stored in a visible place, for example inside the door.

  • В ЧРЕЗВЫЧАЙНОЙ СИТУАЦИИ
    0.59MB pdf

    Location form in Russian. The position information of the holiday home must be stored in a visible place, for example inside the door.

How to use ERC number - other languages: EE, FR, DE, IT, SO, RU, SE

112 Suomi application

FAQ

FAQ - 112 Suomi -application

Tourists visiting Finland can use the application by downloading it to their phone in the normal way. In this case, you must enter your phone number in international format (plus sign and country code at the beginning of the number).

The application is downloaded to your phone through official device-specific distribution channels, so the risk of malware or viruses is no higher than when downloading other applications. The risk of infection can be considered very unlikely.

The application can be turned on in the middle of a call. Press the 112 button to start transmitting location information. 

The application only uses location information when you call the emergency number 112, the road users’ hotline or the maritime rescue emergency number via the application. The transmission of location information is activated when you press the Call menu for that number in the application.

The application transmits a location signal for 60 minutes from the start of the call, and it is stored on the proxy server for 24 hours. This means that the location information of a previous call can be retrieved for a new call based on the phone number if you have to call the emergency response centre a second time for the same emergency, and a data connection, for example, is not available.

Public warnings and other public notifications are sent to all phones on which the application has been installed and that have location services enabled. The location specified in the public warning or other public notification determines whether the user’s phone issues a notification. The public warning or other public notification feature does not communicate the user’s location to a cloud service or elsewhere.

Local traffic alerts are sent to all phones on which the application has been installed and that have location services as well as the option “Traffic alerts shown” enabled. The location specified in the traffic alert determines whether the user’s phone issues a notification. The traffic alert feature does not communicate the user’s location to a cloud service or elsewhere.

The nearest defibrillator is shown based on the phone’s location. Retrieving the list in the application does not communicate any information about the user to third parties. 
When going to the Omaolo.fi online service via the application and filling in the coronavirus check-up in the online service, no information about the user is communicated to SoteDigi Oy.

A phone number is needed to connect the location information to the correct emergency call in the event of an emergency.

The number is not used to retrieve personal data or transmit other information. The ERC operator only sees the number from which the call is coming and the location information.

Technically, the 112 Suomi application and AML function in slightly different ways. The 112 Suomi application is based on the phone’s GPS positioning. In addition to GPS, AML also uses other things for positioning, such as the distance to identified WiFi devices. This means that the AML method is more accurate, but also more prone to errors if, for example, WiFi devices are moved. In this sense, the most accurate and reliable positioning is achieved with the simultaneous use of AML and the 112 Suomi application.

You can use the application even when no mobile data connection is available. Automatic transmission of location information requires a network connection, but satellite positioning does not. You can call the emergency number in the normal way and provide the operator with your location verbally by reading out the coordinates from the 112 Suomi application. 

The application provides your location reliably even when the location information is not automatically transmitted. In this case, it is important to also provide the ERC operator with the positioning accuracy, which is displayed directly below the coordinate information in the application.

The positioning works using the smartphone’s own GPS satellite positioning function. The transmission of location information is activated for 60 minutes when you call the emergency number, maritime rescue emergency number or the road users’ hotline via the application.

The automatic launching of location services by applications is prohibited on phone platforms. If your location setting is not enabled when you call, the application provides a shortcut to the phone’s settings.

Public warnings and other public notifications are sent to all phones on which the application has been installed and the application has been allowed to use location information. The location specified in the notification determines whether the user’s phone issues a notification. The notification feature does not communicate your location to a cloud-based server or elsewhere. 

The median positioning accuracy is approximately 11 metres. The accuracy varies depending on your phone and the environment. Tall buildings and high terrain complicate both satellite positioning and positioning based on mobile network base stations. The accuracy of the positioning is displayed directly below the coordinate information in the application. You can also check your location on the map from the “Show on map” button on the application’s home screen. 

Satellite positioning works best outdoors, in places that are as high and open as possible. Indoors, the positioning accuracy can be greatly improved by going to a window or outside completely. Outside, you should move to a more low-lying or higher area, if possible.

Yes, but the Emergency Response Centre Agency may be provided with location information from a different phone number than the one you are calling from. In this case, provide your location coordinates verbally to the ERC operator.

The application takes the location of the user’s nearest defibrillator from the defi.fi database, which the Finnish Heart Association co-manages with the Finnish Red Cross and the Finnish Resuscitation Council. The Nearest Defibrillator menu can be found in the application under the Services and Other Services tabs. The route directions will open on the map application in your phone. Further information about registering defibrillators: Defi.fi – Rekisteri sydäniskureista (in Finnish).

Users who have allowed the application to access their location can view live traffic alerts on their mobile phone. The application’s list of notifications shows all the alerts that are active in the user’s area. The information is provided by Traffic Management Finland’s Digitraffic service.

The Emergency Response Centre Agency issues public warnings from the authorities, other public notifications as well as traffic alerts via the application. 

The 112 Suomi application is one of the statutory channels for public warnings. A public notification, in turn, refers to notifications and instructions related to exceptional situations, emergency missions, drills or circumstances, which are released to the public in order to dispel rumours and prevent unnecessary calls to the emergency number or to instruct people on how to act under the prevailing conditions. These are used when a situation occurs which requires informing or instructing the public but which does not warrant issuing a public warning. 

The notifications are in the language chosen by the user for the application. The language options are Finnish or Swedish.

If you are in the area specified in the notification, it will show on your phone screen. You will hear a sound signal in addition to the notification.

The public warning sound signal is distinctive, and most people in Finland will recognise it from the public warnings on television and radio. The Morse code sound for “CQ” (seek you) lasts two to three seconds and is the international code for public warnings. 

The public notification sound signal is a short “ti tu” lasting about half a second. 

The sound signals are not repeated – they will only sound once.

No. If your phone is on silent, new notifications will show on the screen but there will be no sound.

Most phone models enable individual applications to be muted, including the 112 Suomi application. If the phone is on silent, it is not possible to enable the sounds of an individual application.  

FAQ - Animals

Try to find the owner of the car and point out the issue. If you cannot reach the owner and the dog (or other animal) is symptomatic of heat stroke, call 112 and follow the instructions. Symptoms of heat stroke in dogs include severe panting, impaired motor skills, vomiting or loss of consciousness.

Some rescue services also respond to non-urgent assignments such as helping cats down from trees. However, as this is not an urgent emergency, do not call 112. Rescue service departments have helplines of their own that can be called and the rescue service departments decide on their response according to their available resources and their policy.

Owners are always responsible for their pets. In case of a sick pet, the appropriate thing to do is to consult a veterinarian. The contact details of veterinarians can be found on the website of their own municipality, among other things. Municipalities have 24-hour veterinary on-call services.

In case of found animals, contact your local animal shelter. These incidents are not emergencies which require a call to 112.

If you suspect deficiencies in the keeping of the animal, please contact animal protection. The information of the animal protection authority can be found on the website of the municipality in question by searching with keywords like "animal protection" or "veterinarian" or by calling the switchboard of the municipality.

All persons are obliged under the Animal Welfare Act to help or report an animal in a sick, injured or otherwise helpless state. The obligation to help applies to both wild and pet or farm animals.

FAQ - Data Privacy

Data subjects have the right to request that the controller rectify (correct), erased or complete personal data that is incorrect, unnecessary, incomplete or outdated for the purpose of processing.
The request to rectify data must be specified and addressed to the controller. For more about the rights of data subjects, see the Data Protection Ombudsman website.
The National Police Board is the controller of data held in the ERC information system for the purposes of police work. With regard to police work, the request to rectify personal data should be addressed to the police.

The above right does not apply in situations where processing is necessary to comply with a legal obligation based on Union law applicable to the controller or the law of a Member State requiring processing, or in cases where processing is done for the performance of a task that concerns general interest or the exercise of the controller’s public authority. If the controller refuses the data subject’s request to rectify data, the reasons for this will be explained to the data subject in writing. After this, the data subject may take up the matter with the Data Protection Ombudsman.

The Emergency Response Centre Agency does not transfer data to another controller.

In order to obtain information, the applicant must make a request for information to the Emergency Response Centre Agency. You can find the electronic information request forms on the right side of this page. You can also file the request for information in your own words by sending email or mail to the Emergency Response Centre Agency.

The request should be sufficiently specific so that we can determine which document the request concerns. Requests that concern the ERC information system can be specified based on the caller’s phone number, the date and time of the emergency call or the address to which the call was recorded, for example.

Requests for information are processed within two weeks. If the request is particularly broad in scope, the processing time is one month.
Documents containing confidential information are always delivered in a way that ensures that the recipient is the person who requested the information. The response to the request is mailed by recorded delivery. For this reason, the request must include a postal address to which the data subject wants the response delivered.

Requests for information about matters that fall within the police’s jurisdiction must be made to the police.

The appropriate processing of all data is ensured proactively by means of controlling access to the data. An entry is automatically made in the system log whenever the system is accessed or personal data is processed. The Emergency Response Centre Agency monitors processing by its employees through spot checks. The system cannot be accessed by outsiders, and it is housed in a separate secure government network.

According to Section 17 of the Act on Emergency Response Centre Operations, only data related to ERC operations may be stored in the ERC’s information system. 

The emergency SMS register stores the data subject’s name, phone number and address.
The customer register for burglar and fire alarms stores the name of the device’s owner, the device’s location and details of the contact person.

Emergency calls are often related to situations where urgent assistance from the authorities is needed. In order to help to be provided, certain minimum information is required. These include details of the accident and its location, possible victims and whether others are at risk of exposure from the accident. The caller's phone number is stored in the system in case the phone connection is lost prematurely. This allows the ERC operator to call the number back if necessary.

The ERC information system and other IT systems used by the Agency are operated in the secure data network for public authorities owned and administered by the state. The secure data network includes a communications network, hardware facilities and hardware and shared technical data and communications services.

The secure data network ensures the ERC information system’s operation under both normal conditions and in the event of disruptions. Data in the system is protected from third parties.

The purposes of processing, data content and disclosure of data in the ERC information system are specified in the Act on Emergency Response Centre Operations. 

As a rule, data in the ERC information system may be processed by officials of the Emergency Response Centre Agency's emergency services, as well as by police, healthcare, social welfare and rescue service employees and alerted units of the Border Guard for the purpose of assisting those in need of urgent assistance. In addition, the Emergency Response Centre Agency and the National Police Board may, as controllers of the data, process data in their areas of responsibility when necessary for the purpose of monitoring conformance with the law, processing complaints and disclosing information.

Officials’ access to the system is restricted internally by the Emergency Response Centre Agency and public authorities using the ERC information system. Officials have access only to data that is necessary for the performance of their duties. Even in these cases, officials may only process data which they need to perform their official duties in practice. In other words, officials who do not require information about emergency response assignments in their work cannot access the data.

The purposes of processing, data content and disclosure of data in the ERC information system are specified in the Act on Emergency Response Centre Operations. According to the law, the data held in the system can only be used for the purpose of attending to the Emergency Response Centre Agency’s duties. The Emergency Response Centre Agency discloses data in the ERC information system for the purposes of alerting authorities and assisting the work of alerted authorities.

In addition to disclosing data in the ERC information system to the authority carrying out the task in order to assist the person in need, data in the ERC information system may be disclosed to the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health when necessary for the purpose of planning and developing operations and for supervisory duties. Similarly, data that is necessary for supervisory duties may be disclosed to Regional State Administrative Agencies.
Some authorities require data from the ERC information system to carry out tasks other than urgent tasks. Even in such cases, personal data stored in the ERC information system is not disclosed unless specifically permitted by law. For example, the police, healthcare supervisory authorities, social welfare authorities, the Safety Investigation Authority and supreme legal supervisor have the right to access necessary data for the purpose of carrying out their respective duties.

Data in the ERC information system is not disclosed to businesses, insurance companies or banks, for example.

Data in the ERC information system is not transferred outside the EU or EEA.

In addition to the ERC information system, the Emergency Response Centre Agency also has other systems that process personal data. The terms of disclosing data in these systems are described in the privacy statement for each system.

Everyone has the right to request access to their personal data. The request must include all necessary identifying information about the person in order for the information to be retrieved from the filing system. If the data subject has exercised the right inspect data in the past year, the controller may charge a reasonable fee to cover the direct costs of fulfilling the request. 

Documents containing confidential information are always delivered in a way that ensures that the recipient is the person who requested the information. The response to the request to inspect data is mailed by recorded delivery. For this reason, the request must include a postal address to which the data subject wants the response delivered.

In the case of data in the ERC information system not under the jurisdiction of the police, requests to inspect data are fulfilled by the Emergency Response Centre Administration as the principal controller. You can find the electronic form on the right side of this page. You can also send the request by email or mail to the Emergency Response Centre Agency.