Presented on: 21 October, 15:00 CEST
In many European countries, there are non-emergency numbers running alongside the emergency number (or numbers). These numbers may be used, for instance, to provide medical advice to patients, to direct people towards the correct service, or to provide general information in times of crisis.
In this webinar, we explored the systems in place in different European countries, the role of each dedicated number and how non-emergency numbers are managed. What are the benefits of having a non-emergency number in place? What challenges may be faced and how are they overcome? This webinar aimed to provide the knowledge for countries to learn from different systems and to share best practices.
presented by
Björn Skoglund
Business Developer/Service owner of 112 and Crisis Management, SOS Alarm, Sweden
Sweden has a long tradition of non-emergency numbers. Today, there are numbers for non-emergency police matters, for health care advice and for general information around serious accidents and crises. Bjorn gave a general overview of these non-emergency numbers in Sweden, presented their benefits and also explained how they can be of great help in a crisis like COVID-19.
Christof Chwojka
Director, Notruf Niederösterreich, Lower Austria, Austria
There is a growing number of specialisations and an expansion of job offers in the health care system, increasing tasks of the staff whilst there are also simultaneous staff shortages and the steady aging of society. Consequently, there is a need to control and master how the next steps are forwarded to a person who calls for help. During his presentation, Christof focused mainly on the management of non-emergency numbers and how these can improve the guidance and advice given to people calling the rescue coordination center.
Marko Nieminen & Liisa Salminen
Director ERC Services + Senior Operator of ERC Services in Kerava
The co-operation between Medical Helpline 116 117 and Emergency Response Center Agency 112 in Finland is another example of non-emergency numbers running alongside emergency number(s) . In their presentation, Marko and Liisa explained what the Medical Helpline 116 117 is, what it is used for and what is the service model of both numbers working longside each other.