When someone calls 112 and is connected to Hollands Midden emergency dispatch centre, the emergency medical dispatcher can quickly determine their exact location using the Emergency Location Identifier (VIL). The control room operator uses VIL whenever a 112 caller cannot quickly and accurately identify the location of the emergency. Permission is required from the caller first, as current laws and regulations do not permit the location confirmation to be automatically sent to emergency centres.
How does it work?
Using the VIL system, the emergency medical dispatcher sends the 112 caller a text message containing a link. When the 112 caller clicks on the link on a mobile phone, the GPS location coordinates are sent directly to the control room. The emergency dispatcher can then send the ambulance to the scene of the emergency. The location can be determined very accurately as location data continues to be updated while the emergency call is ongoing – even if the 112 caller is on the move.
