Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa’s Fire and Emergency Services has shifted its emergency helpline to the unified 112 system, with calls made to the existing fire helpline 101 now automatically rerouted to the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS)-112.
The Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services (DFES) said the integration aims to bring fire and rescue emergencies under a single emergency-response platform. Calls received through 112 will be digitally recorded, documented and forwarded through the integrated system to the concerned fire station.
With the new system in place, the public can dial 112 for fire, rescue and other emergencies.
The DFES has appealed to people to use the emergency number only for genuine emergencies, warning that false, frivolous or non-emergency calls could divert resources and delay assistance to those in need.
Under the new system, the ERSS-112 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) will receive emergency calls, process the information and dispatch the details to the appropriate fire station. The digital trail is also expected to facilitate systematic monitoring, coordination and tracking of emergency responses.
During the transition and stabilisation phase, the DFES has specifically advised the public not to contact individual fire station landlines to report emergencies. These numbers will now be used exclusively for official and administrative purposes.
The Directorate has urged callers to provide clear and accurate information to the 112 call taker, including the nature of the emergency, exact location, a nearby landmark and contact details.
The DFES said providing accurate information will help emergency personnel identify the location and reach the site without unnecessary delay.
