Number of service 112 calls increases by almost 20 per cent during bad weather in Moldova

Chisinau, 22 January /MOLDPRES/ – The number of calls to 112 has increased by 20 per cent in recent period when bad weather conditions have been recorded. In order to address the high number of requests, the service has decided to fill in the number of employees.

The data was presented after the Minister of Economy and Infrastructure, Chiril Gaburici, visited 112. According to provided info, during the heavy snowfalls of 10 – 12 January, there were received almost 13,000 calls at the unique number. The figure is almost three thousand more than in days without precipitation.

Chiril Gaburici wanted to make sure that employees face the large number of calls. "It is important that in crisis situations, the ones which call 112 are immediately taken over by a specialist. Throughout this Call Centre we can handle complex cases and ensure an immediate connection of all services – police, ambulance, rescuers, firefighters, for a more effective intervention," said Minister Chiril Gaburici.

In 70 per cent of cases, 112 calling citizens are requesting ambulance intervention. Also, 68 per cent of the total number of single number calls are non-urgent calls. Deputy director of the service, Constantin Gorincioi, stated that there are cases where the caller requests the ambulance in non-urgent situations, which prevents the organisation of the intervention in major emergencies where every minute of delay can be decisive.

The single national emergency 112 service became operational in Moldova in July 2018. The 112 call is free of charge.