112 Canarias emergency app reaches 18,700 downloads

The 112 Canarias emergency application has reached 18,700 downloads since its launch in April 2023. Currently active on 3,611 devices, the tool has facilitated the reporting of 374 incidents to the Emergency and Security Coordination Center (CECOES 112).

Managed by the Government of the Canary Islands, the app serves as a complementary communication channel to traditional phone calls. It features a text chat function designed for individuals with verbal communication difficulties or for situations where speaking is unsafe or impossible. A recent case in Gran Canaria involved a deaf individual who used the chat feature to report a fall at home, allowing emergency responders—including firefighters, local police, and an ambulance from the Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC)—to coordinate an effective response.

Additional features include the use of pictograms to categorize emergencies and the ability to send photos, videos, and precise GPS locations, which is particularly useful for locating individuals in remote areas such as trails or coastal zones.