Munich

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Emergency Contacts

Essential phone numbers and information for emergency services such as police, fire, and medical assistance.

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Emergency Services in Munich, Germany

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

1. General Emergency Numbers

  • 112: This is the European emergency number for fire services and medical emergencies. 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 available 24/7.

2. Medical Emergencies

  • 112: For life-threatening medical emergencies (e.g., heart attack, severe injury, unconsciousness), call 112. An ambulance (Rettungswagen) will be dispatched.
  • 116 117: For non-urgent medical assistance outside of regular doctor hours (e.g., evenings, weekends), you can call this number to reach the on-call medical service (ärztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst). This is not for emergencies but for situations where you need medical advice or treatment and cannot wait until regular hours.
  • Pharmacies (Apotheken): Pharmacies in Munich operate on a rotating schedule for after-hours service. You can find the nearest open pharmacy by visiting www.aponet.de or checking the list posted on the door of any pharmacy.

3. Fire Services

  • 112: For fires, gas leaks, or other fire-related emergencies, call 112. The fire brigade (Feuerwehr) in Munich is highly trained and responds quickly.

4. Poison Control

  • +49 89 19240: This is the number for the Poison Control Center (Giftnotruf) in Munich. Call this number if someone has ingested or been exposed to a toxic substance.

5. Mental Health and Crisis Support

  • Telefonseelsorge (Crisis Hotline):
    • 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222: Free, confidential support available 24/7 for anyone in emotional distress or crisis. English-speaking counselors may be available.
  • Krisendienst Psychiatrie (Psychiatric Crisis Service):
    • +49 800 655 3000: Available 24/7 for psychiatric emergencies or mental health crises.

6. Roadside Assistance

  • ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club):
    • +49 89 20 20 4000: For car breakdowns or accidents, contact ADAC, Germany’s largest automobile club. Membership is not required for emergency assistance, but non-members may incur fees.

Costs Associated with Emergency Services

  1. Police: There is no cost for contacting the police or receiving assistance in emergencies.
  2. Fire Services: Firefighting and rescue services are free in emergencies. However, false alarms or non-emergency calls may result in fines.
  3. Medical Services:
    • Ambulance services are generally covered by health insurance if the situation is deemed an emergency. If you are uninsured or the situation is not classified as an emergency, you may be billed. Costs for ambulance services can range from €200 to €500.
    • Non-urgent medical consultations (via 116 117) are typically covered by health insurance.
  4. Poison Control: Free of charge for advice and assistance.

How to Contact Emergency Services

  • Dialing from a Mobile Phone: You can call 112 or 110 from any mobile phone, even without a SIM card or with no credit.
  • Language Support: Operators for 112 and 110 typically speak German, but many also speak English. If you do not speak German, clearly state your language (e.g., "English, please") at the beginning of the call.
  • Providing Information: When calling emergency services, be prepared to provide the following:
    • Your location (address or nearby landmarks).
    • The nature of the emergency (e.g., fire, medical issue, crime).
    • The number of people involved.
    • Any immediate dangers (e.g., gas leak, ongoing violence).

Local Considerations and Tips

  1. Know Your Location: Always be aware of your surroundings, including street names and landmarks. Munich has an excellent public transport system, so familiarize yourself with nearby U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (commuter train), or tram stops, as these can help emergency responders locate you.
  2. Health Insurance: Ensure you have valid health insurance while in Germany. EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU visitors should have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
  3. Cultural Norms: Germans value efficiency and direct communication. When speaking to emergency operators, remain calm and provide clear, concise information.
  4. Emergency Apps: Consider downloading the NINA app (Notfall-Informations- und Nachrichten-App), which provides real-time alerts for emergencies such as severe weather, fires, or other hazards in Germany.
  5. Public Defibrillators (AEDs): Munich has many Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public places, such as train stations, shopping centers, and airports. Look for green signs with a heart and lightning bolt symbol.

Emergency Phrases in German

If you need to communicate in German during an emergency, here are some key phrases:

  • Help! – Hilfe!
  • I need an ambulance. – Ich brauche einen Krankenwagen.
  • There is a fire. – Es brennt.
  • I need the police. – Ich brauche die Polizei.
  • I am injured. – Ich bin verletzt.
  • I don’t speak German. – Ich spreche kein Deutsch.

Important Non-Emergency Contacts

  • Munich Tourist Information:
    • Phone: +49 89 233 96500
    • Useful for non-urgent assistance or general inquiries.
  • Lost and Found (Fundbüro):
    • Phone: +49 89 233 96000
    • For lost items in public spaces or transport.

By keeping this information handy, you’ll be well-prepared to handle emergencies in Munich. If you have further questions or need additional details, feel free to ask!