Initiating a Packet Switched or IMS emergency call using a user equipment (UE). The UE includes a plurality of protocol layers. The plurality of protocol layers including an IMS sublayer, a non-access stratum (NAS) layer and an access stratum (AS) layer. The method includes generating an ATTACH REQUEST or PDN Connectivity request including an APN identifying an emergency APN using the UE. The ATTACH REQUEST has an attach type i.e. EPS emergency attach. The method includes retrieving the attach type of the ATTACH REQUEST using the NAS layer of the UE, and generating an RRC CONNECTION REQUEST. The RRC CONNECTION REQUEST includes an RRC establishment cause based upon the attach type of the attach request e.g. EPS emergency call, PS emergency, IMS emergency call, etc.