Indore (Madhya Pradesh): The Dial-100 FRVs (First Response Vehicles) saved 1825 people in the city from self-harm and suicide in 2024. However, this number is lower than the 2181 lives saved in 2023.

Despite the slight decrease in the number of people saved from self-harm in 2024 the efforts of the Dial-100 staff remain steadfast and they continue to play a crucial role in saving people during their most vulnerable moments.

In 2024, Dial-100 in Indore responded to 1,16,705 emergency calls, of which 19,428 were related to women in distress. Urgent support was provided in 9,727 road accident cases, emphasising the importance of rapid response in road emergencies. They addressed 1825 cases in which people were at risk of self-harm.

Officials with special training to address such issues talked to the person concerned at length, offering assistance until the FRV reached the spot. As many as 2038 calls for assistance to senior citizens were also attended throughout the year.

Similarly, 252 incidents of missing children were reported. In 2023, the Dial-100 responded to 1,13,044 emergency calls of which 17,978 were of women in distress, 8,627 for road accidents assistance, 2,103 for senior citizens assistance, 234 about missing children and 2,181 from people at risk of self-harm.

Dial-100 in-charge Indore, Durga Garg said that the FRVs vehicles were connected to the Dial-100 call centre, which was equipped with a Location-Based System (LBS) to pinpoint the caller’s location accurately. Each Dial-100 vehicle was fitted with a Mobile Data Terminal (MDT), wireless communication tools, a public address (PA) system, an emergency response kit and various tools required for urgent situations.

The service operated from a centralised control-room in Bhopal, enabling streamlined communication and response coordination. “On receiving a call, the Dial-100 system uses Interactive Voice Response (IVRS) to route the call to the appropriate option.

The call is then attended by a call taker who records the details of the incident. This information is forwarded to a dispatcher in the caller’s district, who directs the closest Dial-100 FRV to respond to the emergency,” Garg said.

38 FRVs and 14 FRV motorcycles stationed in Indore city

Garg said, “To provide swift emergency assistance to the citizens, a fleet of 50 four-wheeler First Response Vehicles (FRVs) equipped with advanced technology have been deployed in Indore district. Out of 50 FRVs, 38 are deployed in the city, along with 14 FRV motorcycles. “

Future initiatives

Garg said, “In coming time, the Dial-100 staff will be provided body-worn cameras to bring transparency. The number of vehicles will also be increased and they will be equipped with auto recording cameras to record inside the vehicle and around the vicinity.”

Year Citizen served (Total Number of Dispatched)