Hundreds attend event promoting responsible use of 112 emergency number
Thousands of calls to the 112 line each year should instead go to other services
Hundreds of people on Sunday attended an educational and family-oriented event aimed at promoting the responsible use of the 112 emergency number, the Ministry of Home Affairs said.
The activity was held in San Klement Park in Żabbar. Children were offered hands-on experiences designed to help them better understand the purpose of the 112 service and when it should be used.
The event featured participation from the Malta Police Force, the Civil Protection Department, the Armed Forces of Malta, LESA, and the Emergency Department. They gave demonstrations and explanations of their work, allowing children to “become heroes for a day” and gain insight into how emergency teams respond to real-life situations.
“We always emphasise that prevention is the most effective tool,” Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri, who was present for the event, said.
“One way to achieve effective prevention is to ensure that people feel comfortable approaching those entrusted with safeguarding our society in different circumstances. That is why activities like this one are so important.”
The minister added that, despite ongoing efforts, thousands of calls to the 112 line each year were misdirected and should instead go to other services.
Referring to the recent Storm Harry, Camilleri said it highlighting how essential it was for emergency services not only to be prepared but also able to respond according to priority. “When the 112 number is misused, this vital work can be seriously compromised,” he warned.
Children received educational keepsakes—including a fire blanket and a first aid kit—aimed at fostering awareness of safety and first response even within the home.