By Sonja Storm

Today is official 'European 112 Day'.

The day is designed to remind EU citizens that the phone number 112 is the correct emergency number to dial across the EU and to raise awareness about responding to medical emergencies.

112 Day this year is being used to highlight the importance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), as a large majority of Europeans do not know how to perform it in an emergency.

Recent research shows that only one out of four Europeans recognises 112 as the European emergency number available in all Member States.

The pan-European emergency number was created in 1991. The 112 number is in use in Ireland as well as the traditional 999 number.

The mission of the EU's 112 Foundation, which organised today's event, is to raise awareness and promote the appropriate use of the European emergency number.