Berlin

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Emergency Contacts

Essential phone numbers for emergencies, including police, fire, ambulance, and general assistance services.

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Emergency Contacts in Berlin, Germany

Berlin has a well-organized emergency response system, and the following numbers are critical for accessing help in various situations:

1. General Emergency Numbers

  • 112: This is the European-wide emergency number for medical emergencies and fire services. It is free of charge and can be dialed from any phone, including mobile phones without a SIM card.
  • 110: This is the German emergency number for the police. It is also free of charge and can be dialed from any phone.

2. Medical Emergencies

  • 112: For life-threatening medical emergencies (e.g., heart attack, severe injury, unconsciousness), call 112. An ambulance will be dispatched to your location.
  • Non-Emergency Medical Assistance:
    • 116 117: This is the number for the on-call medical service (รคrztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst). Use this for non-life-threatening medical issues outside of regular doctor hours (e.g., evenings, weekends, holidays). The service can direct you to an available doctor or clinic.
    • Pharmacies: For minor medical needs, pharmacies (Apotheken) are widely available. Look for a green cross sign. If you need a pharmacy after hours, check the nearest emergency pharmacy (Notapotheke) by visiting www.aponet.de.

3. Fire Services

  • 112: For fires, gas leaks, or other fire-related emergencies, call 112. The fire brigade (Feuerwehr) in Berlin is highly efficient and well-equipped.

4. Poison Control

  • 030 19240: This is the number for the Berlin Poison Control Center (Giftnotruf Berlin). Call this number if someone has ingested a toxic substance or been exposed to a harmful chemical.

5. Mental Health and Crisis Support

  • 0800 111 0111 or 0800 111 0222: These are free, confidential hotlines for mental health support, available 24/7. They are operated by the German Crisis Hotline (Telefonseelsorge) and offer support in German. Some operators may speak English.
  • Berliner Krisendienst (Berlin Crisis Service): For immediate psychological support, you can contact the Berlin Crisis Service. They have multiple locations across the city and offer help in various languages. Visit www.berliner-krisendienst.de for details.

6. Roadside Assistance

  • ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club): If you experience a car breakdown, call 089 20 20 4000 for ADAC roadside assistance. Membership is required for free services, but they may assist non-members for a fee.

7. Lost or Stolen Cards

  • 116 116: This is the central hotline for blocking lost or stolen bank cards, credit cards, or SIM cards. It is available 24/7 and free of charge.

8. Embassy Assistance

If you are a foreign national and require assistance from your embassy (e.g., lost passport, legal issues), locate your embassy in Berlin. A list of embassies can be found on the Berlin.de website.

Costs Associated with Emergency Services

  1. Ambulance Services:

    • Ambulance transport is generally covered by health insurance if deemed medically necessary. If you are uninsured, expect to pay approximately โ‚ฌ300โ€“โ‚ฌ500 for ambulance services.
    • Visitors should ensure they have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

  2. Police and Fire Services:

    • Police and fire services are free of charge.

  3. Medical Treatment:

    • Emergency room visits are covered by German health insurance or travel insurance. Without insurance, you may need to pay out of pocket, with costs varying depending on the treatment.

  4. Mental Health Services:

    • Crisis hotlines are free. However, follow-up therapy or psychiatric care may incur costs unless covered by insurance.

Procedures for Contacting Emergency Services

  1. Dial the Appropriate Number:

    • Clearly state your emergency and provide your location. For example: "I need an ambulance at [address]. Someone is unconscious."
    • If you do not speak German, say: "Do you speak English?" Most operators in Berlin can communicate in English.

  2. Provide Key Information:

    • Who: Your name and the name of the person in need (if known).
    • What: Describe the emergency (e.g., fire, medical issue, crime).
    • Where: Provide the exact address or a nearby landmark.
    • When: Mention when the incident occurred (e.g., just now, 10 minutes ago).

  3. Stay on the Line:

    • Do not hang up until the operator tells you to. They may need additional information or provide instructions.

  4. Follow Instructions:

    • If you are instructed to perform first aid or evacuate, follow the operatorโ€™s guidance.

Local Considerations and Tips

  1. Language:

    • While most emergency operators in Berlin speak English, it is helpful to know a few German phrases:
      • "Hilfe!" (Help!)
      • "Feuer!" (Fire!)
      • "Krankenwagen!" (Ambulance!)
      • "Polizei!" (Police!)
    • If you cannot communicate effectively, try to remain calm and provide basic information like your location.

  2. Address System:

    • Berlin uses a clear address system. Always carry your address written down or saved on your phone. If you are unsure of your location, look for street signs or landmarks.

  3. Mobile Phones:

    • You can call 112 or 110 from any mobile phone, even without a SIM card or credit. Ensure your phone is charged when traveling.

  4. Cultural Norms:

    • Germans value efficiency and directness. When speaking to emergency operators, be concise and stick to the facts.
    • Do not hesitate to call for help if you are unsure whether the situation qualifies as an emergency. It is better to err on the side of caution.

  5. Emergency Apps:

    • Consider downloading the NINA App (Notfall-Informations- und Nachrichten-App), which provides real-time alerts for emergencies like severe weather, fires, or other hazards in Germany.

Summary of Key Numbers

| Service | Number | |----------------------------|------------------| | Medical & Fire (Emergency) | 112 | | Police (Emergency) | 110 | | On-Call Medical Service | 116 117 | | Poison Control | 030 19240 | | Mental Health Hotline | 0800 111 0111 | | Lost/Stolen Cards | 116 116 | | Roadside Assistance (ADAC) | 089 20 20 4000 |

By familiarizing yourself with these emergency contacts and procedures, you can navigate Berlin with greater confidence and preparedness. Always prioritize your safety and do not hesitate to seek help when needed.