Stuttgart

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Emergency Numbers

Essential emergency contact numbers for police, fire, and medical services in the Stuttgart area.

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Emergency Numbers in Stuttgart, Germany

Germany has a well-organized emergency response system, and Stuttgart, as a major city, is no exception. Below are the key emergency numbers you need to know:

1. General Emergency Numbers

  • 112: This is the European-wide 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. Specialized Emergency Numbers

  • 116 117: For non-emergency medical assistance outside of regular doctor hours (e.g., evenings, weekends, holidays). This connects you to the on-call medical service.
  • 19222: For non-urgent ambulance services (e.g., patient transport). Note that this number may incur charges depending on the situation and your health insurance coverage.
  • 0800 111 0111 or 0800 111 0222: For emotional support and crisis counseling (Telefonseelsorge). These are free, confidential hotlines available 24/7.

Categories of Emergency Services

  1. Medical Emergencies

    • Dial 112 for life-threatening situations such as severe injuries, heart attacks, strokes, or unconsciousness.
    • When calling, be prepared to provide:
      • Your location (address or landmark).
      • The nature of the emergency.
      • The number of people involved.
      • Any immediate dangers (e.g., fire, gas leak).
    • Ambulance services are free for emergencies, but non-urgent transport may incur costs.

  2. Fire and Rescue Services

    • Dial 112 for fires, gas leaks, or other rescue situations.
    • Stuttgart has a highly efficient fire brigade (Feuerwehr Stuttgart) that responds quickly to emergencies.

  3. Police

    • Dial 110 for crimes in progress, accidents, or situations requiring immediate police intervention.
    • For non-urgent police matters (e.g., reporting a theft after the fact), visit the nearest police station or call the local police office (not the emergency number).

  4. Poison Control

    • Dial +49 761 19240 for the Poison Control Center (Giftnotruf) in Baden-Wรผrttemberg. This is the regional service for Stuttgart and surrounding areas.

  5. Mental Health and Emotional Support

    • The Telefonseelsorge numbers (0800 111 0111 or 0800 111 0222) are staffed by trained counselors who can provide support in German and sometimes in English.

Costs Associated with Emergency Services

  • Emergency Calls: Free of charge.
  • Ambulance Services: Free for emergencies. However, if the situation is deemed non-urgent, you may be billed. Costs are typically covered by German health insurance, but check with your provider if you are visiting or have private insurance.
  • Non-Emergency Medical Services: May incur charges depending on the service and your insurance coverage.

Procedures to Follow When Calling Emergency Numbers

  1. Stay Calm: Take a deep breath and speak clearly.
  2. Provide Key Information:
    • Who: Your name and contact number.
    • What: Describe the emergency (e.g., fire, medical issue, crime).
    • Where: Provide the exact location (address, nearby landmarks, or GPS coordinates if possible).
    • When: Mention when the incident occurred (if not ongoing).
    • How: Explain how the situation developed (if relevant).
  3. Follow Instructions: The operator may give you instructions to follow until help arrives.
  4. Do Not Hang Up: Stay on the line until the operator tells you it is okay to disconnect.

Local Considerations and Tips

  1. Language: Operators typically speak German, but many are trained to handle calls in English. If you do not speak German, start the call by saying, "Do you speak English?" (Sprechen Sie Englisch?).
  2. Mobile Phones: You can call 112 or 110 even if your phone has no credit or SIM card.
  3. Location Awareness: Always know your location, especially if you are new to Stuttgart. Use landmarks or GPS apps to pinpoint your position.
  4. Cultural Note: Germans value efficiency and directness. Be concise and stick to the facts when describing the emergency.
  5. Emergency Apps: Consider downloading the NINA app (Notfall-Informations- und Nachrichten-App) for real-time alerts about emergencies, weather warnings, and other critical information in Germany.
  6. Health Insurance: If you are a visitor, ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for coverage.

Key Locations for Emergency Assistance in Stuttgart

  1. Hospitals with Emergency Departments:

    • Katharinenhospital Stuttgart (KrankenhausstraรŸe 10, 70174 Stuttgart)
    • Marienhospital Stuttgart (BรถheimstraรŸe 37, 70199 Stuttgart)
    • Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus (AuerbachstraรŸe 110, 70376 Stuttgart)

  2. Police Stations:

    • Polizeiprรคsidium Stuttgart (HahnemannstraรŸe 1, 70191 Stuttgart)

  3. Fire Stations:

    • Feuerwache 1 (Main Fire Station) (HeusteigstraรŸe 15, 70180 Stuttgart)

By familiarizing yourself with these emergency numbers and procedures, you can feel more confident and prepared during your time in Stuttgart. If you have further questions or need additional guidance, feel free to ask!