Hädaabiteenused

Hädaabiteenused, Estonian for emergency services, denotes the system of public safety agencies that provide rapid response to life-threatening or urgent incidents. The aim is to protect people, property, and the environment by coordinating police, fire and rescue, medical services, and related support functions.

In Estonia, the emergency response is coordinated by the Emergency Response Centre (Häirekeskus). The centre handles all 112 emergency calls, assesses the situation, and dispatches the appropriate units—police, fire and rescue, or ambulance services. It can also provide on-site instructions to callers.

Core components typically include emergency medical services, firefighting and rescue, and law enforcement, with civil protection and disaster response as needed. Specialized units such as search and rescue and hazardous-materials teams are deployed depending on the incident.

Operation and access: 112 is the European emergency number, accessible free of charge from fixed or mobile phones, 24/7. Operators triage calls and coordinate dispatch. They may offer first-aid guidance and continuously communicate with responders and hospitals during a response.

Governance and public information: Hädaabiteenused are funded and overseen by the state, with cooperation from local authorities. National laws and data protection rules govern operations. Public awareness campaigns encourage calling 112 only for genuine emergencies and to follow safety instructions.