3GPP Explainer

Emergency Numbers & Services

Comprehensive guide to emergency calling systems in mobile networks, including global emergency numbers, location services, and technical implementation of emergency services in 3GPP systems.

Emergency Information

In a real emergency, always dial your local emergency number immediately. This page is for educational purposes about emergency systems.

Global Emergency Numbers

Europe
112

Unified European emergency number, works in all EU countries

Additional Numbers

999 (UK)
15 (France Medical)
18 (France Fire)
CoverageAll EU member states
North America
911

Primary emergency number for US, Canada, and many Caribbean countries

CoverageUSA, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean
Asia Pacific
Various

Different numbers per country, some standardization efforts

Additional Numbers

110 (China, Japan Police)
119 (Japan Fire)
000 (Australia)
CoverageCountry-specific
International
112

ITU-T recommended global emergency number

Additional Numbers

911
+112
CoverageRoaming networks worldwide

Emergency Services

Emergency Call Service (eCall)

Automatic emergency calling system for vehicles

Standards

TS 26.267
TS 26.268

Features

  • Automatic crash detection
  • Manual emergency button
  • Vehicle location transmission
  • Voice communication with PSAP
  • Minimum Set of Data (MSD)
Location Based Services (LBS)

Emergency caller location determination

Standards

TS 23.271
TS 36.305

Features

  • Cell-ID based location
  • Enhanced Cell-ID (E-CID)
  • Assisted GPS (A-GPS)
  • WiFi positioning
  • Bluetooth beacons
Public Warning System (PWS)

Cell broadcast emergency alerts to mobile users

Standards

TS 23.041
TS 22.268

Features

  • Cell Broadcast Service (CBS)
  • Emergency Alert System (EAS)
  • Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS)
  • EU-Alert system
  • Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS)
Priority Access

Priority network access for emergency services

Standards

TS 22.153
TS 23.167

Features

  • Emergency call priority
  • Multimedia Priority Service (MPS)
  • Wireless Priority Service (WPS)
  • Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS)
  • Network congestion bypass
Emergency Call Flow
1

Emergency Number Dialed

User dials emergency number (112, 911, etc.)

UE recognizes emergency number and initiates emergency call procedure

2

Network Recognition

Network identifies call as emergency

Emergency indication in call setup, priority handling activated

3

Location Determination

Network determines caller location

LCS procedures activated, location information gathered

4

PSAP Routing

Call routed to appropriate Public Safety Answering Point

Emergency routing based on location and service type

5

Information Transfer

Location and caller information sent to PSAP

Emergency location information and callback number provided

Technical Requirements

Network Requirements
  • Emergency call recognition without SIM
  • Priority access during network congestion
  • Location information provision
  • Callback capability maintenance
  • Multi-language support
Device Requirements
  • Emergency number recognition
  • Location services capability
  • Emergency call indication
  • Audio/video emergency calls
  • Accessibility features
Regulatory Requirements
  • Local emergency number support
  • Location accuracy standards
  • Response time requirements
  • Accessibility compliance
  • Privacy protection
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