Port Blair, May 6: The Government of India initiative to integrate emergency Helplines into a single Helpline has resulted in the rolling out of 112 number. ERSS-112, launched in 2019 in A & N Islands, offers residents the opportunity to access emergency services through the 112 helpline during any crisis. ERSS is a unified, Andaman-wide response system, accessible through the single number 112, providing immediate assistance from agencies such as Police (100), Fire (101), Health (102) and Disaster Management.

Any citizen in distress can dial 112 from their phone, press the power button thrice on any Smartphone, or long-press the ‘5’ or ‘9’ key on a regular phone to activate a panic call to the dedicated DIAL 112 Control Room. Additionally, SOS alerts can be sent via email or by using the 112 India mobile app, available for free on Google Play Store and Apple Store.

This system includes a dedicated DIAL 112 Control Room staffed with trained call-takers and dispatchers to handle emergency requests for assistance from Police, Fire, Health, and other agencies. All call logs are maintained digitally. This Control Room is linked to Emergency Response Vehicles and Control Rooms of various departments to provide assistance to victims.

The ERSS also features the 112 India mobile app for making distress calls. The app includes a special SHOUT feature that alerts registered volunteers in the vicinity of the victim for immediate assistance.

Members of the public have been encouraged to register voluntarily on this app and utilize ERSS 112 in case of any emergency.