Most people do not know the number to call in the event of an emergency on holiday in Europe, a survey suggests.

The Foreign Office poll of more than 2,000 people in the UK found that just 14% were aware the 112 number could reach the emergency services.

Some 12% thought it connected to directory enquiries, while others believed it was a brand of perfume, the number of a bus or type of jeans.

Source: BBC News

112 is the European emergency number, it works in every European Union country. Today (11th February) is European 112 Day, an event aimed at highlighting this international emergency number.

People calling 112 are connected to an operator. Depending  on the national civil protection system, the operator (who may  be part of the police) will either deal with the call directly or transfer it to the appropriate emergency service (ambulance, fire brigade, etc.). In many cases, operators are able to answer in more than one language.

112 is free across the European Union, and some countries have adopted it as their main emergency number – worth remembering next time you’re heading off on holiday!

Learn more about the European emergency number