THE NUMBER THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE… 112, WHEREVER YOU ARE!

What would you do if you found yourself in an emergency situation whilst on holiday in Europe? Would you be able to call the police in Bulgaria? What number dials an ambulance in France? What if you need the fire brigade in Italy?

East Midlands Liberal Democrat MEP Bill Newton Dunn is taking the opportunity this week to remind East Midlands residents that they only need to remember one number when travelling in the EU.

The emergency number 112 is free to dial in all 27 European member states - including the UK - and connects to local emergency services including ambulance, fire or police.

It was established across Europe in 1991, but research has shown that, 21 years later, only one in four people knows about the number.

This Saturday, the 11th of February, is the launch of 112 day, promoting awareness of the number.

Bill Newton Dunn said:

"I wanted to seize the occasion of 112 day to help spread the word.

"Every year 150 million people travel around the EU, yet far too few are aware of the 112 number. Most trips abroad are without incident, but it's important to know that you can quickly and easily access emergency services should the need ever arise. That's why it's so useful to have a single, common, number that connects to local services in every EU member state.

"It's also worth pointing out that every mobile phone sold in the UK and abroad allows you to call 112 without unlocking your phone, allowing you to dial quickly if you are attacked or under duress."