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Emergency Numbers

Key nationwide emergency contact numbers, such as 112 for medical, fire, and rescue services, and 110 for police assistance.

Sections

Main Emergency Numbers in Germany

  1. 112 – General Emergency Number (Police, Fire, Ambulance)

    • Purpose: This is the European-wide emergency number for life-threatening situations, such as medical emergencies, fires, or accidents.
    • Availability: 24/7, free of charge, and accessible from any phone (landline, mobile, or payphone).
    • Languages: Operators typically speak German and English, and in some cases, other languages may be available.

  2. 110 – Police Emergency Number

    • Purpose: This number is specifically for contacting the police in emergencies, such as reporting crimes in progress, theft, or dangerous situations.
    • Availability: 24/7, free of charge, and accessible from any phone.
    • Languages: German and English are commonly spoken.

When to Use Each Number

  • 112: Use this number for medical emergencies, fires, or accidents requiring immediate assistance.
  • 110: Use this number to report crimes, suspicious activities, or situations requiring police intervention.

National Regulations

  1. Legal Obligation to Assist: In Germany, there is a legal obligation to provide assistance in emergencies (known as "Unterlassene Hilfeleistung"). If you witness an emergency, you are required to help within your abilities, such as calling emergency services or providing first aid.
  2. False Reporting: Misusing emergency numbers (e.g., prank calls) is a criminal offense and can result in fines or imprisonment.
  3. Accessibility: Emergency numbers are accessible even without a SIM card or phone credit. Dialing 112 or 110 will connect you to the nearest emergency service.

Costs for Using Emergency Services

  • Calling Emergency Numbers: Free of charge.
  • Ambulance Services: While the call itself is free, the cost of ambulance transport is typically covered by health insurance. If you are uninsured, you may be billed directly. Costs can range from €200 to €500, depending on the distance and services provided.
  • Fire Services: Firefighting services are free in emergencies. However, if the fire department is called for non-emergency situations (e.g., removing a cat from a tree), you may be charged a fee.
  • Police Services: Police assistance is free of charge.

Standard Procedures When Calling Emergency Numbers

  1. Stay Calm: Speak clearly and remain calm to provide accurate information.
  2. Provide Key Information:
    • Who: Your name and contact details (if possible).
    • What: Describe the emergency (e.g., fire, accident, medical issue).
    • Where: Provide the exact location, including street name, house number, and city. If you are on a highway, mention the nearest exit or kilometer marker.
    • How Many: Indicate the number of people involved or injured.
    • Condition: Describe the condition of the injured or affected individuals.
  3. Follow Instructions: The operator may give you instructions (e.g., performing first aid). Stay on the line until they confirm you can hang up.
  4. Language Barrier: If you do not speak German, ask for an English-speaking operator. Use simple words and phrases if necessary.

Country-Specific Considerations

  1. European Emergency Number (112): This number works across all EU countries, so visitors from other EU nations may already be familiar with it.
  2. Mobile Phones: If you are using a mobile phone, ensure it is charged and has a signal. Emergency calls will connect even if your phone shows "no service."
  3. Emergency Apps: Consider downloading apps like "NINA" (Notfall-Informations- und Nachrichten-App) or "Katwarn," which provide real-time alerts for emergencies in Germany.
  4. Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Germany offers a text-based emergency service via fax or SMS. You can register for this service in advance through the local police or fire department.
  5. Highway Emergencies: On German highways (Autobahnen), emergency telephones (orange boxes) are located every 2 kilometers. Follow the arrows on the reflective posts to find the nearest one.

Tips for Visitors and Immigrants

  1. Save Numbers: Save 112 and 110 in your phone contacts for quick access.
  2. Learn Basic German Phrases: While operators often speak English, knowing basic German emergency phrases can be helpful.
    • Example: "Ich brauche Hilfe!" (I need help!)
    • "Es gibt einen Unfall." (There is an accident.)
  3. Health Insurance: Ensure you have valid health insurance in Germany, as ambulance and hospital costs can be high without coverage.
  4. Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of personal emergency contacts and your embassy's phone number in case you need additional assistance.
  5. Cultural Sensitivity: Germans value efficiency and directness. Be concise and factual when describing the emergency.

By familiarizing yourself with these emergency numbers and procedures, you can ensure a safer and more prepared experience in Germany. If you have further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask!