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EU celebrates European 112 Day
11 February 2009 marks the European 112 Day. While the European emergency number 112 is now implemented in all 27 EU Member States, still 78% of Europeans are unaware of this number that could save their lives when in need to reach the police, ambulance or fire services.
To publicise the 112 and promote its appropriate functioning, the 112 Foundation (www.112foundation.eu) organised yesterday the 112 Awards Ceremony under the patronage of the Czech Presidency of the EU. The event congratulated citizens and organisations that have been contributing to improve either the knowledge or handling of 112. Among others, awards were handed to two emergency services in Spain - 112 Madrid & 112 Murcia -, to the Czech Republic as the best national initiative and to Danish citizens and rescuers.
Today, several events will be held in the European Parliament to celebrate the 112. 11 February (11/2) will become the official European 112 day after the three EU institutions will sign a tripartite convention followed by a press conference and a rescue demonstration by the 112 Murcia and the European Parliament's firemen. The 112 Foundation will organise the final European 112 Day Citizens' event including the presentation of the 112 Anthem by a children choir and an overview of the 112 by the representatives of the three EU institutions.
"The EU is clearly engaged in promoting the 112 and 11 February is now the official European 112 Day. Alongside, the 112 Foundation is delighted to provide on www.112foundation.eu some promotional material that can be downloaded and used for free by any citizen and organisation willing to inform on the 112" said Olivier Paul-Morandini, founder of the 112 Foundation. "Until then, please remember to teach 112 to your children: 112 is 1 mouth, 1 nose and 2 eyes!" , he concluded.
More information:
www.112foundation.eu
www.eena.org
www.112day.eu
www.112awards.eu
112 Awards Media Advisory in English - Including Awardees full stories and contact details - (123KB)
Agenda of the European 112 Day (103KB)
Press contact:
Gary Machado, +32 (0) 498 375 962, gm@eena.org
Olivier Paul-Morandini, +32 (0) 475 84 00 82, info@eena.org