📞

Emergency Numbers

Ireland's primary emergency contact number is 112 or 999, which connects to police, fire, ambulance, and other emergency services.

Sections

Emergency Numbers in Ireland

  1. Main Emergency Numbers:

    • 112: The European emergency number, available across all EU countries, including Ireland.
    • 999: The traditional emergency number in Ireland.
    • Both numbers connect you to the same emergency services and can be dialed free of charge from any phone, including mobile phones without credit or a SIM card.

  2. Non-Emergency Numbers:

    • Garda Confidential Line (for reporting non-urgent crimes): 1800 666 111
    • HSE (Health Service Executive) Information Line: 1800 700 700
    • Irish Coast Guard (non-emergency): +353 1 662 0922

Emergency Services Available

When you call 112 or 999, you can request the following services:

  • An Garda Síochána (Police)
  • Fire Brigade
  • Ambulance Service
  • Irish Coast Guard (for maritime emergencies, including search and rescue)

National Regulations

  1. Accessibility:

    • Emergency services in Ireland are available 24/7.
    • Calls to 112 and 999 are free of charge.
    • These numbers can be dialed from any phone, including payphones and mobile phones without credit or a SIM card.

  2. Language Support:

    • Operators are trained to handle calls in English and Irish. Translation services are available for other languages if needed.

  3. Misuse of Emergency Numbers:

    • It is a criminal offense to misuse emergency numbers in Ireland. False or prank calls can result in fines or imprisonment.

  4. Special Services for the Hearing or Speech Impaired:

    • Ireland offers a Text Emergency Service (TES) for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired. You must register for this service in advance by visiting www.112.ie.

General Costs

  • Emergency Calls: Free of charge.
  • Ambulance Services:
    • If you require an ambulance, the cost depends on whether you are a public or private patient.
    • For public patients, the Health Service Executive (HSE) charges a standard fee of €100 for emergency ambulance services, unless you hold a medical card, are on a social welfare scheme, or are being transferred between hospitals.
    • Private health insurance may cover ambulance costs for private patients.

Standard Procedures for Contacting Emergency Services

  1. Dial 112 or 999:

    • Use any phone to dial the number. No prefix or area code is required.

  2. Provide Key Information:

    • State your location clearly and precisely. If you are unsure of your exact location, describe nearby landmarks or use GPS coordinates if available.
    • Specify the type of emergency (e.g., fire, medical, crime, maritime).
    • Answer any questions the operator asks to help them assess the situation.

  3. Follow Instructions:

    • Stay on the line until the operator tells you it is safe to hang up.
    • Follow any instructions given, such as performing first aid or evacuating the area.

  4. Stay Calm:

    • Remaining calm and speaking clearly will help the operator understand your situation and dispatch the appropriate services quickly.

Country-Specific Considerations

  1. Rural Areas:

    • In rural or remote areas, response times may be longer due to distance. It is advisable to know the location of the nearest Garda station, hospital, or fire station.

  2. Mobile Phone Coverage:

    • While mobile coverage is generally good in Ireland, some remote areas may have weak signals. Emergency calls will connect to any available network, even if your provider has no coverage in the area.

  3. Roadside Emergencies:

    • For breakdowns or accidents on motorways, emergency phones are located at regular intervals. These phones connect directly to the Gardaí or motorway assistance services.

  4. Tourists and Visitors:

    • If you are visiting Ireland, ensure you know how to describe your location accurately. Using apps like Google Maps or What3Words can be helpful in emergencies.

  5. Emergency Alerts:

    • Ireland has a public alert system for severe weather or other emergencies. These alerts are broadcast via radio, TV, and social media.

Additional Tips

  • Save Emergency Numbers: Save 112 and 999 in your phone contacts for quick access.
  • First Aid Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with basic first aid, as it can be invaluable in emergencies.
  • Emergency Apps: Consider downloading apps like the 112 Ireland App, which allows you to call emergency services and automatically sends your GPS location to the operator.

By understanding Ireland's emergency system and following the guidelines above, you can ensure a swift and effective response in case of an emergency. If you have further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask!