Emergency telephone number
An emergency telephone number is a number that allows a caller to contact local emergency services for assistance. The emergency number differs from country to country; it is typically a three-digit number so that it can be easily remembered and dialed quickly. Some countries have a different emergency number for each of the different emergency services; these often differ only by the last digit.
911 is the emergency number used in many countries in the Americas.
A fire truck in Ennigerloh, Germany, with the European emergency number 112 painted on its side
A mural at a Shenzhen elementary school showing emergency numbers used in Mainland China
112 on a lifeguard tower in Pájara, Spain
Emergency services and rescue services are organizations that ensure public safety, security, and health by addressing and resolving different emergencies. Some of these agencies exist solely for addressing certain types of emergencies, while others deal with ad hoc emergencies as part of their normal responsibilities. Many of these agencies engage in community awareness and prevention programs to help the public avoid, detect, and report emergencies effectively. Emergency services are often considered first responders, and typically have dedicated emergency vehicles.
Police, fire, and medical services at the scene of a traffic collision in New South Wales, Australia
Multiple emergency services at the scene of a traffic accident in Vaughan, Ontario
Lifeguards on duty at Santa Monica State Beach in Los Angeles County, California
Ski patrol team at Ski Montcalm in Quebec, Canada
