In an emergency, every second counts. To simplify and streamline emergency assistance across the country, the Government of India has introduced the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) — a unified helpline number 112, similar to 911 in the United States. This national initiative ensures faster, more efficient responses for police, fire, medical, disaster relief, women and child safety services.
What is ERSS (Emergency Response Support System)?
ERSS is a pan-India, single-number-based emergency response system designed to provide citizens with access to essential emergency services through just one number – 112. Each State and Union Territory has a dedicated Emergency Response Centre (ERC) to handle requests and coordinate assistance.
The objective is to integrate multiple emergency numbers like:
- 100 (Police)
- 101 (Fire)
- 108 (Ambulance)
- 181 (Women and Child Care)
… into a unified helpline (112) that simplifies the process and reduces response time.
How to Use Emergency Number 112
You can reach ERSS and request help using any of the following methods:
- Dial 112 from any mobile or landline.
- Press the power button three times on your smartphone to activate a panic call.
- Long-press the ‘5’ or ‘9’ key on a feature phone.
- Send an SMS to 112 with your emergency details.
- Log on to your State’s ERSS website to raise an SOS alert.
- Email your emergency to the designated State ERC (example:
[email protected]). - Use the ‘112 India’ mobile app, available on Google Play and Apple Store, which sends your location and call alert directly to emergency services.
ERSS Mobile App: ‘112 India’
The official ‘112 India’ app allows users to send instant alerts to emergency services with precise location data. It also has a “SHOUT” feature that is especially helpful for women and children—it not only alerts the ERC but also notifies nearby registered volunteers for immediate help.
Key Features:
- Location-based alert to the nearest ERC.
- Quick access to police, fire, and medical services.
- SHOUT feature for vulnerable groups.
- Available for free on Android and iOS.
Where and When to Use 112?
Use 112 when you or someone else is in imminent danger due to:
- Crimes or violence
- Fire and accidents
- Medical emergencies
- Natural disasters
- Child protection or women’s safety
- Lost or missing persons
Upon activation, your location is pinpointed on the GIS map at the State Control Room. Emergency vehicles are tracked in real time, allowing the nearest one to be dispatched with precision.
Centralized and Indigenous
The ERSS system operates from Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) located in each State and UT capital. It is a completely indigenous solution, developed by C-DAC, ensuring data security and nationwide consistency.
Additional Highlights:
- 24/7 assistance from a centralized center.
- Live tracking of police, ambulance, and fire vehicles.
- Faster decision-making for quicker responses.
A Note of Caution
ERSS is a government-run emergency service. While it is designed for quick and accurate response, users are advised to use the facility responsibly and only in genuine emergencies.
Disclaimer: ERSS is a government initiative. While efforts are made to ensure reliability, users are advised to visit https://112.gov.in for official updates and support. PuneNow is not responsible for the quality or speed of services rendered.