The automatic emergency call (eCall) was developed with the aim of enabling emergency services to be alerted more quickly in the event of a traffic accident. eCall is mandatory for all vehicle models with type approval from April 1, 2018. With the legal required eCall, a connection is automatically established with the nearest public safety answering point (PSAP). Some car manufacturers also offer an advanced service, the so-called private eCall. Hereby, those persons involved in an accident are connected to a call center that informs the PSAP. Thereby, persons benefit from assistance in their own language in almost every country where the service is available. Besides that, additional data can be transferred to improve the overall rescue chain.
The Audi Accident Research Unit (AARU) is a cooperation between the Regensburg university medical center and AUDI AG. AARU analyzes traffic accidents in an interdisciplinary way with the aim of learning from accidents. In this context, detailed, standardized interviews are conducted by telephone with accident participants. One block of questions is specifically dedicated to the experience of the eCall, if triggered. The statements of those involved in the accident were collected and classified using the German school grading system. The feedback received so far (currently n = 59) has been predominantly positive with an average rating of 2. Particular emphasis is placed on the reassuring effect of the private eCall. However, some accident participants are also surprised to suddenly hear a voice in the vehicle that they cannot initially identify.