Hamburg

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Emergency Contacts

Essential phone numbers and contacts for police, fire department, and medical emergencies in Hamburg.

Sections

Emergency Contacts in Hamburg, Germany

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

  • Number: 112
  • Purpose: This is the European Union-wide emergency number for life-threatening situations requiring immediate assistance from police, fire services, or medical responders.
  • Availability: 24/7, free of charge.
  • Languages: Operators typically speak German and English, and in some cases, other major European languages.
  • When to Use: For emergencies such as fires, severe medical conditions, accidents, or crimes in progress.

2. Police (Non-Emergency)

  • Number: 110
  • Purpose: For non-life-threatening situations requiring police assistance, such as reporting theft, vandalism, or disturbances.
  • Availability: 24/7, free of charge.
  • Languages: German is the primary language, but many officers and operators can communicate in English.
  • Local Consideration: If you need to report a crime after the fact (e.g., theft), you can also visit a local police station. The main police headquarters in Hamburg is located at:
    • Address: Polizeikommissariat 14, Caffamacherreihe 4, 20355 Hamburg.

3. Medical Emergency (Ambulance)

  • Number: 112
  • Purpose: For urgent medical emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, or severe injuries.
  • Cost: Emergency medical services are not free. If you are insured in Germany or have travel insurance, the costs are typically covered. Without insurance, you may receive a bill later.
  • Procedure: Provide your location and a brief description of the medical emergency. Stay on the line until instructed to hang up.

4. Poison Control Center

  • Number: +49 551 19240 (Göttingen Poison Control Center, serving Hamburg and other regions in Germany)
  • Purpose: For advice on poisoning incidents, such as ingestion of harmful substances or chemical exposure.
  • Availability: 24/7, free of charge.
  • Languages: German and English.

5. Fire Department

  • Number: 112
  • Purpose: For fires, smoke, gas leaks, or other hazardous situations.
  • Availability: 24/7, free of charge.
  • Procedure: Clearly describe the nature of the fire or hazard and provide your exact location.

6. Emergency Pharmacy Services

  • Service: In Germany, pharmacies (Apotheken) operate on a rotating emergency schedule outside regular hours.
  • How to Find an Open Pharmacy:
    • Visit the website: www.aponet.de
    • Call the hotline: +49 228 228 228
  • Cost: Consultation is free, but medications must be paid for unless covered by insurance.

7. Mental Health Crisis Hotline

  • Number: 0800 111 0111 or 0800 111 0222 (Telefonseelsorge)
  • Purpose: For emotional support, mental health crises, or suicidal thoughts.
  • Availability: 24/7, free of charge.
  • Languages: German and English.
  • Local Consideration: This is a confidential service, and you can remain anonymous.

8. Roadside Assistance

  • ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club):
    • Number: +49 89 20 20 4000
    • Purpose: For vehicle breakdowns or accidents.
    • Availability: 24/7, but membership may be required for free services.
    • Languages: German and English.

9. Lost and Found

  • Hamburg Lost Property Office (Fundbüro):
    • Address: Bahrenfelder Straße 254-260, 22765 Hamburg
    • Phone: +49 40 42811 3500
    • Website: Hamburg Lost Property Office
    • Purpose: To report or recover lost items.
    • Languages: German and limited English.

Key Procedures for Contacting Emergency Services

  1. Dial the Appropriate Number:

    • Use 112 for life-threatening emergencies.
    • Use 110 for police assistance in non-life-threatening situations.

  2. Provide Clear Information:

    • State your name and phone number.
    • Describe the nature of the emergency (e.g., fire, medical issue, crime).
    • Provide your exact location (street name, building number, landmarks).

  3. Stay Calm and Follow Instructions:

    • The operator may ask follow-up questions to assess the situation.
    • Do not hang up until the operator confirms they have all the necessary information.

  4. Language Barrier Tips:

    • If you do not speak German, say, “Sprechen Sie Englisch?” (Do you speak English?).
    • Use simple, clear language to describe the emergency.

Local Considerations and Tips

  1. Emergency Apps:

    • Download the NINA App (Notfall-Informations- und Nachrichten-App) for real-time alerts about emergencies, weather warnings, and safety tips in Hamburg and across Germany.

  2. Health Insurance:

    • Ensure you have valid health insurance (either German or travel insurance) to cover medical emergencies. Carry your insurance card or details with you at all times.

  3. Cultural Sensitivity:

    • Germans value efficiency and direct communication. Be concise and factual when describing emergencies.
    • Avoid exaggeration, as this may delay the response.

  4. Public Safety:

    • Hamburg is generally safe, but pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas like the Reeperbahn, Hauptbahnhof (main train station), and tourist hotspots. Keep your belongings secure and report thefts to the police.

  5. Emergency Numbers on Mobile Phones:

    • Dialing 112 works even if your phone has no credit or is locked.

  6. Emergency Services for Tourists:

    • The Hamburg Tourist Information Office can assist with non-urgent issues:

Summary Table of Emergency Numbers

| Service | Number | Cost | Languages | |---------------------------|---------------------|----------------|---------------------| | General Emergency (112) | 112 | Free | German, English | | Police (Non-Emergency) | 110 | Free | German, English | | Poison Control | +49 551 19240 | Free | German, English | | Mental Health Hotline | 0800 111 0111 | Free | German, English | | Roadside Assistance (ADAC)| +49 89 20 20 4000| Membership may apply | German, English | | Emergency Pharmacy | +49 228 228 228 | Free | German, English |

By keeping this information handy, you’ll be well-prepared to handle emergencies in Hamburg. Stay safe and enjoy your time in this vibrant city!