MUP: In the previous year, 292.132 citizens called the emergency number 112

In the previous year, citizens made 292.132 calls to the emergency number 112, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) announced.

The announcement adds that in 17.779 cases, the engagement of various emergency services was necessary, and in the eight years since the system has been operating in its current capacity, the number of calls has almost tripled.

"The day of the single European number for calls in emergency situations 112 is celebrated on February 11 in order to draw the public's attention to the importance of safety and security in Europe, as well as to the importance of the existence of this number through which citizens can get help in various emergency situations. The 112 system is a system for receiving all types of emergency calls based on the unique European number 112, which is the single entry point for all emergency calls, through which all emergency situations can be reported when human lives, property or the environment are at risk," the announcement states.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs said that the number 112 represents a significant resource of the protection and rescue system of Montenegro, which has been operating since October 2015 throughout the country, within the Directorate 112 as a single OKC112 system in Podgorica, Bijelo Polje and Bar.

"In addition to recognizable emergency services (police, fire brigade and emergency medical aid), OKC112 can also engage numerous other services or operational forces that are related to the protection and rescue system (Army, Maritime Safety Administration, Mountain Rescue Services, divers) when providing assistance , hunters, kayakers).Based on established standard operating procedures, protocols or agreements, the OKC112 enables the automatic mobile location (AML) caller to be located in an emergency situation, the use of an air helicopter unit in search and rescue operations, as well as the transportation of teams participating in search and rescue operations. rescuers, firefighters, which is extremely important in some situations," the Ministry of Internal Affairs said in a statement.

From that government department, they said that by introducing the number 112, Montenegro, on its European path, fulfilled an obligation that is significant from the point of view of security for all its citizens, as well as for tourists.

"In 2023, 54 tourists were saved in 73 actions, through calls to OKC 112. This center works 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, and the ability to receive emergency calls in foreign languages ​​(English, Italian, Russian and Albanian ) is a significant support in efforts to present Montenegro as a desirable tourist destination. This year, the Day of the European Number 112 was marked by the presentation of the centers in Bijelo Polje and Bar to elementary school students, and in the coming period, in addition to the improvement of the system itself, work will also be done on further raising awareness citizens about the importance of the number 112 through various forms of education," concludes the MUP announcement.