Czechia’s emergency app adds universal SOS button connecting users to 112

The Záchranka emergency app has added a universal SOS button and a new SMS chat feature, making it easier for users to contact medical and other emergency services across the Czech Republic.

The new SOS function replaces the previous 155-only button. After pressing it, users can select whether they need medical help, connecting directly to line 155, or another type of intervention, which automatically routes the call to line 112.

The update also enables users who are unable to speak to communicate via SMS chat, thereby speeding up the transmission of location and key information.

“Being able to call directly from the Záchranka app is a significant step toward faster and more effective assistance,” said Vladimír Vlček, General Director of the Fire Rescue Service of the Czech Republic, in a press release.

The app update is rolling out gradually for Android and iOS users and will appear automatically for those with auto-updates enabled. Officials said the change aims to reduce uncertainty during emergencies and improve response times.

The Záchranka app is part of the Czech Republic’s broader efforts to modernize emergency services and ensure that all citizens, including those with disabilities or language barriers, can quickly reach help when needed.

The SMS chat option is available for both lines 155 and 112, ensuring that users can provide essential information even when verbal communication is impossible.

Authorities highlighted that faster location sharing and clear routing of calls are crucial to reducing response times in critical situations, especially in rural or high-traffic areas. The update comes as part of regular app improvements and is expected to enhance overall public safety.