Emergency Response 112

The Ministry of Home Affairs has developed a unique security system called the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS). It is a Pan India single number “112” that is a response system for citizen-facing emergency situations.

Key Points for UPSC Prelims

• The system is an initiative of the Government of India under the Nirbhaya funds scheme for ensuring the safety of women and children.
• A dedicated call centre has been set up by each state / UT in this regard. Assistance from Police, Fire & Rescue, Health, and other services can be availed from this system.
• The user can dial 112 from a phone or press the power button three times to activate the Panic call. In the case of a feature phone, long pressing of keypad number 5 or 9 will also make the emergency activation.
• Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) will be responsible for handling ERSS calls.
• PSAP will be responsible for tracking the location of the caller and inform the nearest ERSS vehicle for providing help.
• There is a SHOUT feature available for women and children, which when activated would alert the volunteers in the vicinity.

Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) in Mysuru

The Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) has been recently launched in Mysuru, Karnataka. It is a part of the government’s initiative of having “112” as a single emergency number in the country.

Twenty police patrol vehicles (ERSS vehicles) were also flagged off to mark the launch of the ERSS system in the city.

PSAP in the city will be available 24×7. The people will also be able to send SMS on 112 apart from making calls. People also have an option to send an email to erss112ktk@ksp.gov.in, sending the request through 112 India mobile app, and logging on to http://www.ka.ners.in.