Cologne

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Emergency Contacts

Key emergency numbers and information for staying safe while in Cologne.

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Emergency Contacts in Cologne, Germany

Germany has a well-organized and efficient emergency response system. In Cologne, as in the rest of Germany, there are specific numbers and procedures for different types of emergencies. Below are the key emergency contacts and details:

1. General Emergency Numbers

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

2. Emergency Services by Category

a. Police (Polizei)
  • Emergency Number: 110
  • When to Call: Use this number for crimes in progress, theft, assault, or any situation requiring immediate police intervention.
  • Non-Emergency Police Contact: For non-urgent matters, such as reporting a lost item or filing a report after a minor incident, you can contact the local police station. In Cologne, the main police station is:
    • Address: Polizeiprรคsidium Kรถln, Walter-Pauli-Ring 2-6, 51103 Kรถln
    • Phone: +49 221 229-0
    • Website: Polizei NRW Kรถln
b. Fire Services (Feuerwehr)
  • Emergency Number: 112
  • When to Call: Use this number for fires, hazardous material incidents, or rescue situations (e.g., someone trapped in a building or vehicle).
  • Local Fire Department: Cologne has a professional fire brigade (Berufsfeuerwehr Kรถln) and volunteer fire brigades. The main fire department contact is:
    • Address: ScheibenstraรŸe 13, 50737 Kรถln
    • Phone: +49 221 9748-0
    • Website: Feuerwehr Kรถln
c. Medical Emergencies (Rettungsdienst)
  • Emergency Number: 112
  • When to Call: Use this number for life-threatening medical emergencies, such as heart attacks, strokes, severe injuries, or unconsciousness.
  • Ambulance Services: Ambulances are dispatched through the 112 system. They are equipped with advanced medical equipment and trained paramedics.
  • Associated Costs: Emergency medical services are not free. However, if you have travel insurance, health insurance, or are covered under Germanyโ€™s public health system, the costs are typically reimbursed. Without insurance, expect to pay several hundred euros for ambulance services.
d. Poison Control (Giftnotruf)
  • Emergency Number: +49 228 19240
  • When to Call: For poisoning incidents, such as ingestion of toxic substances, medication overdoses, or chemical exposure.
  • Service: The Bonn Poison Control Center (Giftnotruf Bonn) serves Cologne and provides expert advice in German and English.

3. Additional Emergency Contacts

a. On-Call Doctors (ร„rztlicher Notdienst)
  • Phone: 116 117
  • When to Call: For non-life-threatening medical issues that require urgent attention outside of regular office hours (e.g., high fever, minor injuries, or infections).
  • Service: This number connects you to the on-call medical service, which can arrange for a doctor to visit you at home or direct you to the nearest open clinic.
b. Pharmacies (Apotheken)
  • Pharmacy Emergency Service: Pharmacies in Germany operate on a rotating emergency schedule outside of regular hours.
  • How to Find an Open Pharmacy:
    • Visit Apotheken.de or use the app "Apothekenfinder."
    • Call the local pharmacy hotline: +49 228 228 228.
c. Mental Health Crisis Services
  • Telefonseelsorge (Crisis Hotline):
    • Phone: 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222 (free, 24/7)
    • Website: Telefonseelsorge
    • Languages: German and English
    • Service: Confidential support for mental health crises, emotional distress, or suicidal thoughts.
d. Roadside Assistance
  • ADAC (General German Automobile Club):
    • Phone: +49 89 20 20 4000
    • Service: Assistance for car breakdowns or accidents on the road.

4. Communication Methods for Emergencies

a. Phone Calls
  • Dial 112 or 110 directly from any phone. No area code is needed.
  • Calls to emergency numbers are free and can be made even if your phone has no credit or SIM card.
b. Apps
  • NINA App: The "Notfall-Informations- und Nachrichten-App" (Emergency Information and News App) provides real-time alerts for emergencies, such as severe weather, fires, or other hazards. It is available in English and German.
  • Katwarn App: Similar to NINA, this app provides warnings and safety information for your area.
c. SMS
  • If you cannot make a voice call, you can send an SMS to 112 in some regions of Germany. However, this service is not universally available, so itโ€™s better to call if possible.
d. Language Considerations
  • Emergency operators in Cologne typically speak German, but many also speak English. If you do not speak German, clearly state your language (e.g., "I speak English") at the beginning of the call.

5. Local Considerations and Tips

  1. Stay Calm and Provide Clear Information:

    • When calling emergency services, provide your location (address or landmarks), the nature of the emergency, and any relevant details (e.g., number of people involved, injuries, etc.).
    • Example: "I am at Domplatz near Cologne Cathedral. There is a fire in the building."

  2. Know Your Location:

    • Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in tourist areas like the Cologne Cathedral (Kรถlner Dom) or the Old Town (Altstadt). Use landmarks to describe your location if you donโ€™t know the exact address.

  3. Emergency Numbers Work Across the EU:

    • The 112 emergency number works in all EU countries, so you can use it even if you are traveling outside of Germany.

  4. Save Key Numbers:

    • Save the emergency numbers (112, 110) and other important contacts (e.g., your embassy) in your phone for quick access.

  5. Cultural Note:

    • Germans are generally very organized and expect clear, concise communication. Be prepared to answer questions quickly and directly when speaking to emergency operators.

By keeping this information handy, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to handle any emergency situation during your time in Cologne. Stay safe and enjoy your visit!