EENA’s newsletter brings you the latest updates in emergency communications.
In this edition, you can read about EENA’s upcoming events and webinars, the EU’s new AI Act, problems with SMS alert tests in Mexico, and much more.
Subscribe to the newsletter here!
EENA News
EENA 2025 Conference: Call for abstracts now open
The EENA 2025 Conference & Exhibition, held in Helsinki from 9–11 April, will bring together experts from all over the world for insightful discussions, cutting-edge technologies and interesting networking opportunities.
To help us build a great programme for the next EENA Conference, we would like to get your proposals for presentations. Submit your presentation proposal by 20 September. This is a chance to contribute to the programme, share your expertise and be part of a global conversation on emergency response.
Take a look at our website for submission requirements and topics.
Read more and submit your abstract!
112 AWARDS 2025
Do you know someone who deserves to be honoured as a public safety hero? There’s still time to submit their story and nominate them for the 112 Awards Ceremony!
EENA is considering having the ceremony as part of our annual event on 9-11 April 2025 in Helsinki. The 112 Awards Ceremony aims to reward citizens and public safety organisations that have worked to improve the safety and security of others.
Submit your applications through the online form by 6 September 2024.
Learn more & submit your story!
New blog post: How the AI act will shape the future of emergency services
The EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act has officially come into force as of July 2024. This legislation ensures AI remains under human control, particularly in high-risk areas like emergency services.
As the use of AI is growing in Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), emergency services organisations and other public safety actors need to review some practices to ensure compliance with the new rules. In our latest blog post, we’ll take a look at what is expected from emergency services.
NG112 & AI DAYS – Register now!
Join us in beautiful Santa Cruz de Tenerife for a member’s seminar on the latest advancements in Next Generation 112 and Artificial Intelligence in emergency communications. Register today for this special event on December 4-5.
Webinars
Enhancing emergency communications routing and location transmission reliability with
SIP PIDF-LO
10 September 2024, 14:00 CEST
Join this webinar to explore SIP PIDF-LO’s role in enhancing the routing of emergency communications and caller location transmission reliability. The webinar will also discuss the collaboration effort needed across the emergency communications supply chain to ensure seamless integration of SIP PIDF-LO across Europe.
Add to your calendar.
Tech transitions: Implementing change effectively in the emergency field
24 September 2024, 14:30 CEST
This webinar explores the important aspects of technology implementation and change management. Participants will learn about the strategies 112 Finland and the London Fire organisations use to integrate new technologies effectively and manage the associated changes. The session will highlight real-world challenges and solutions, offering practical knowledge.
Avatar 112 deaf experimentation
1 October 2024, 14:30 CEST
Join our webinar to discover a project using a “Digital Human” avatar with Italian Sign Language (LIS) to improve emergency communication for the hearing impaired. Utilizing AI, computer vision, NLP, 3D techniques, and 5G technology on the Questit Algho platform, this initiative aims to reduce social barriers and enhance emergency management. We’ll evaluate its efficiency and effectiveness in real-world scenarios, focusing on avatar responsiveness and user experience.
EENA Certification Programme for PSAPs
14 October 2024, 15:30 CEST
This webinar will present the PSAP Certification Programme’s renewed standard and process. The renewed certification is organised into three levels, each focusing on key technical and operational functionalities essential for Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs). Originally launched ten years ago, the certification programme’s renewal was announced at the 2024 EENA Conference.
EENA Certification Programme for TPSPs
15 October 2024, 11:00 CEST
This webinar will introduce the expanded EENA Certification Programme for TPSPs, now covering a wider range of Third-Party Service Providers (TPSPs) beyond eCall. We’ll discuss the updated standards, certification process, and benefits, emphasizing how this programme benchmarks TPSP service quality and supports collaboration with 112 PSAPs and ministries.
Want to know more about our webinars? Visit our website to learn more!
Emergency communications around the world
Seismic Alert test SMS does not reach Mexican cell phones
On August 19, Mexico was set to test the Seismic Alert System with a text message scheduled for 11:00 A.M. as part of an emergency preparedness exercise. However, the message never arrived, leading to widespread confusion and concern. The absence of the expected SMS has raised doubts about the system’s reliability, with many fearing a potential failure in the platform. Citizens are now demanding explanations from authorities, given the critical importance of timely alerts in earthquake-prone Mexico.
Read more here (Publimetro, in Spanish).
The Philippine National Police to test Next-Generation 911 system
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to enhance its emergency response capabilities with a Next-Generation 911 system similar to those in the US and Europe. Facilitated by the E911 National Office, this system will provide faster, more accurate emergency responses through advanced digital technology. The new system will allow seamless communication of voice, photos, videos, and texts from the public directly to first responders. The town of Morong, Rizal, is the first in Southeast Asia to implement this technology, with other municipalities soon to follow.
Live streaming video during emergency calls now possible in New South Wales
New South Wales has introduced a new technology that allows emergency callers to livestream emergencies directly to police, along with GPS coordinates, digital media uploads, and text messages. Now rolled out state-wide, this system helps police better locate incidents and allocate resources more effectively. The system is part of an ongoing effort to enhance emergency response capabilities in NSW.
Read more here (The Guardian).
Stockholm renews contract with SOS Alarm
Several Swedish regions, including Södermanland, Uppsala and Värmland, have taken over the dispatch of the ambulance services from SOS Alarm, the organisation responsible for handling emergency calls and dispatching emergency services in Sweden. Stockholm planned to do the same by November 2024 due to concerns about SOS Alarm’s performance. However, this transition is now delayed due to changing security concerns. Instead, Stockholm will sign a new two-year agreement with SOS Alarm, with a possible extension.
Read more here (Läkartidningen, in Swedish)
Upcoming in our network
Webinar: Accessibility & interoperability of emergency communications and answering of emergency communications
5 September 2024 15:30 CEST
The ETSI STF 642 team will present the European Commission’s standards TS 103 919 and EN/HS 303 919 on emergency communication accessibility and interoperability. These standards outline the technical requirements for IP multimedia-based emergency communications for mobile and VoIP services, and their handling by PSAPs.
More information is available on ETSI’s website.
BAPCO 2025 opens call for proposals
BAPCO has opened their call for proposals for their annual event, which will take place in 2025. This call for content is looking at ideas and innovations to help frontline workers and practical case studies from end-users. The call for proposals is open until the 9 September 2024.
Read more and apply here.
6th NG112 Emergency Communications with NG eCall Plugtests
ETSI, in cooperation with EENA, is organising an NG112 Emergency Communications with NG eCall Plugtests event in Malaga, Spain, with the support of ETSI TC EMTEL and TC MSG. The University of Malaga will host this event from 30 September to 4 October 2024. Remote participation will be possible.
Learn more and register before 31 August here!