EENA’s newsletter brings you the latest updates in emergency communications.
In this edition, you can read about our latest publications, Latvia’s plans to launch a Cell Broadcast system, call handlers receiving threats in the UK, the FCC’s decision on silent alerts, and much more!
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EENA News
The full EENA 2025 Conference programme is published!
We’re excited to announce the full programme for this year’s EENA Conference, where emergency services professionals, policymakers, and industry experts will come together to discuss the latest advancements in emergency communications.
This year’s agenda covers some of the most critical topics shaping the future of public safety, including:
- The use of AI in PSAPs
- NG112 implementation & caller location advancements
- Public warning systems & next-generation eCall
- European emergency communications regulations & accessibility requirements
- Real-world case studies on emergency response innovation
- The evolving role of call-takers and operational challenges in PSAPs
With new regulations, evolving technologies, and real-world deployments, this year’s discussions will provide insights into the future of emergency response and what’s next for public safety professionals across Europe
New PSAP Global Edition 2024: Insights into emergency response systems worldwide
EENA’s latest PSAP Global Edition is now available, offering insights into the evolution of Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) in 64 countries. The report covers key developments like Next Generation 112, public warning systems, accessibility, cybersecurity, and the use of new technologies such as social media and citizen responder programmes. With annual updates and new areas of analysis, it provides a detailed snapshot of global emergency communications trends.
We would like to thank Intrado for sponsoring this year’s publication.
This document is only available for EENA members. If you are a member and would like to access the document, please contact [email protected]
Have you seen our latest Public Warning Report Card?
In December, we published the Public Warning Report Card, an exclusive resource for EENA members, offering an in-depth analysis of public warning systems across Europe.
The report examines technologies, strategies, and best practices, highlighting how effective public warning systems save lives and build resilience in the face of emergencies. It also addresses emerging challenges such as inclusivity, cybersecurity, and adapting to new technologies like 4G and 5G. The Public Warning Report Card was made possible thanks to the support of Opencode.
Webinars
Implementing real-time text (RTT) in PSAPs: Challenges, insights, and lessons learned
25 March 2025, 14:30 CET
For PSAPs exploring real-time text (RTT), key questions remain about seamless integration into emergency systems. This webinar will focus on native RTT implementation, offering a secure and efficient approach. Hrvatski Autoklub (HAK), the first in Europe to deploy a full RTT network, will share their experience, challenges, and results from working with Beta 80 Group. Drawing from real-world experience, HAK will share the challenges faced during implementation and the results achieved by working with Beta 80 Group to integrate RTT into their operations.
This webinar is sponsored by Beta 80 Group. The webinar is open exclusively to public safety professionals and emergency service representatives.
Emergency communications around the world
Latvia plans to launch cell broadcast in 2025
The Latvian Ministry of the Interior (IeM) plans to launch a cell broadcast emergency alert system by mid-2025. Developed by SIA Meditec, the system will integrate with mobile networks to instantly send alerts to all phones across 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G, without subscriptions or special settings. The project includes IT infrastructure modernisation to enhance cybersecurity and reliability, ensuring alerts cannot be modified or forwarded. A public awareness campaign will follow the launch to familiarise people with the alerts. Originally planned for late 2024, the launch was delayed, with the €3.2 million project now expected to be operational by mid-2025. The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is covering €2.7 million, with the Latvian state funding the remainder.
Read more here (Baltic News Network).
Emergency call handlers in the UK are facing increasing abuse from callers
Emergency call handlers across the UK ambulance services are experiencing a rise in verbal abuse and threats from the public while assisting callers. Some report being threatened with violence or stalking, adding to the pressure of an already demanding role. Ambulance services encourage staff to report verbal assaults to the police and have implemented a “three strikes” approach, warning callers twice before terminating abusive calls. Despite these measures, many call handlers still endure daily mistreatment, while also dealing with the misuse of emergency lines for non-urgent issues. Even with these challenges, emergency call handlers remain dedicated to their roles, ensuring critical help reaches those in need as demand for ambulance services continues to grow.
FCC updates wireless emergency alerts to enable silent alerts
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has updated its rules to allow Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) to be sent silently, giving alert originators more flexibility while reducing alert fatigue. This change, adopted unanimously on 27 February, allows emergency managers to decide whether an alert should include a loud signal based on the situation. The update aims to prevent consumers from opting out due to disruptive notifications and addresses safety concerns, such as during active shooter incidents. Wireless providers must now support silent alerts, while consumers will still have the option to receive vibration notifications for accessibility. The new rules also ensure that all WEA-capable devices support key features, including geo-targeting, extended messages, and embedded references.
Arkansas sues GM and OnStar over alleged sale of driver data
The Arkansas attorney general has sued GM and OnStar, accusing them of illegally selling driver data without consent. The lawsuit claims OnStar collected data and sold it to third parties and insurers, potentially leading to higher insurance rates or coverage denial. This follows similar legal actions, including a FTC settlement in January restricting GM from selling geolocation or driving data for five years, and a Texas lawsuit alleging data sales from 1.5 million drivers. The case highlights growing scrutiny over how automakers and insurers handle driver data.
Read more here (Consumer Affairs).
SOS Alarm’s yearly 112 report
SOS Alarm’s yearly report on 112 in Sweden highlights significant improvements and trends. The average response time reached a 12-year low at 6.6 seconds, a 23% improvement from 2024, meeting the 8-second target for the first time since 2012. The total number of calls was 3.75 million, the lowest since 2018, with a 12% decrease mainly due to fewer false calls. Despite this, the number of calls requiring emergency assistance remained stable, while suicide-related calls increased. Staff satisfaction is high, with 97% expressing pride in their work and staff turnover halving since 2022. Public trust is also strong, with 81% of the population holding a positive view of SOS Alarm. The 112 app has over 5 million downloads and 1.5 million active users.
Read more here (SOS Alarm, in Swedish).
Upcoming in our network
Webinar: 7-Day battle to save the historic Stock Exchange: Learn how Greater Copenhagen Fire Department used live video to take control of the crisis
31 March at 13:00 CEST
Join Bliksund for a webinar with Tim Ole Simonsen, Operations Chief at Greater Copenhagen Fire Department, who will share how drones provided critical situational awareness during the Børsen fire, improving coordination between dispatch centres and first responders. Stian Eide, Technical Group Manager, will showcase Incident Share, Bliksund’s secure live-streaming solution, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the technology that made a difference. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how live video enhances emergency response!Advertisement: This content is provided by Bliksund.
EENA was here
A glimpse of the recent events EENA has taken part in.
BAPCO Annual Event 2025
5-6 March 2025
Coventry, United Kingdom
EENA was represented at the annual event of BAPCO, our partner within CC:IPS, last week in Coventry, where different professionals in public safety in the United Kingdom met. EENA also gave a presentation titled “Preparing The Control Room For The Future: Handling Emergency Communications In A Packet-Switched World”.