Hädaabinumbrit

Hädaabinumbrit are emergency telephone numbers used in Estonia. The primary and most important hädaabinumber is 112, which connects callers to the national emergency response center. This single number is used to reach police, ambulance, and fire services. Before the introduction of 112, separate numbers existed for each service, but consolidating them into one universal number has been a European-wide initiative to simplify emergency access.

Dialing 112 is free from any telephone, including mobile phones with no signal or when a SIM card is not inserted. The emergency response center operators are trained to handle various types of emergencies and will ask for essential information such as the location of the incident, the nature of the emergency, and any injuries sustained. They can also provide instructions on what to do until professional help arrives.

It is crucial to only dial 112 in genuine emergencies, such as serious accidents, medical crises, fires, or crimes in progress. Misuse of the emergency number can divert resources from real emergencies and lead to penalties. For non-emergency situations, individuals should contact the relevant services directly through their non-emergency numbers or use other appropriate channels. The 112 system is designed for immediate life-threatening situations where swift professional assistance is required.