Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
14 February 2012 11:24
Many Britons do not know that the EU-wide emergency number is 112, a study by the Foreign Office has found
As well as making sure your travel insurance is up to date, it's wise to make sure you know the basics about any possible emergencies which might crop up abroad. With this in mind, it is surprising that not a lot of people know about the EU-wide tourist emergency number, 112.
Some Britons even thought it was a brand of perfume, a study has revealed. The research also found that just 14% of people from the UK thought that by dialling 112 they can reach emergency services.
The Foreign Office study also found that just 3% knew that this was the EU's recognised emergency number. The UK, where the number is of course 999, is one of three countries where awareness was the lowest.
Just over one in ten thought that dialling 112 would put them in contact with directory inquiries, while others believed that 112 was a new scent, the number of a bus, or "a pair of Levi jeans".
Lynda St Cooke, from the FO's Know Before You Go campaign, said: "Knowing that you can phone 112 can save you time in critical situations. It is an essential number which we would encourage everyone to carry with them when on holiday in Europe."
25 May 2018
Two popular sunscreens become significantly less effective once the wearer has been in sea water, a watchdog has warned.
[more...]
24 May 2018
A recent report by Cancer Research UK claims young people who are exposed to just one extra junk food TV advert per week consume up to 18,000 extra calories every year.
Eating one egg a day may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and strokes, according to a new study.
22 May 2018
Theresa May is to give a speech explaining how artificial intelligence will be used to help prevent 22,000 cancer deaths a year by 2033.
19 May 2018
A recent study in Taiwan has revealed that heart attacks occur more frequently in cold weather - with the figure increasing "dramatically" when the temperature drops below 15C (59F).
18 May 2018
A team of scientists have managed to successfully conduct a "memory transplant" between snails by transferring RNA, a form of genetic information, from one snail to another.
17 May 2018
A new study has found that certain types of exercise do not prevent the onset or worsening of dementia and may even contribute to further cognitive impairment.
16 May 2018
The average British child has visited four European cities and been on three long-haul holidays as well as skiing twice - all before their 10th birthday.
15 May 2018
Ethiopian Airlines has unveiled a new "landmark" route from Manchester Airport to the north African city of Ethiopia.
12 May 2018
Health experts have expressed concern at recent outbreaks of measles across England.
Cinema drinks contain "unacceptable" levels of bacteria
10 May 2018
The HPV vaccine offered to teenage girls has proved to be safe and effective in preventing the virus that causes cervical cancer, an independent review has revealed.