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Emergency Numbers

Sweden's nationwide emergency number is 112, which connects to police, fire, ambulance, and other emergency services.

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Emergency Numbers in Sweden

Sweden has a well-organized and efficient emergency response system. The country uses a single, centralized emergency number for most urgent situations, along with a few additional numbers for specific services. Below is a detailed breakdown:

1. Main Emergency Number: 112

  • Purpose: The number 112 is the universal emergency number in Sweden, used to contact all emergency services, including:

    • Ambulance services (medical emergencies)
    • Fire department
    • Police
    • Sea, mountain, and air rescue
    • Poison control
    • Other urgent situations requiring immediate assistance

  • Availability:

    • Operates 24/7, 365 days a year.
    • Free of charge.
    • Accessible from any phone, including mobile phones without a SIM card or with no credit.

  • Languages:

    • Operators speak Swedish and English as standard.
    • Interpretation services are available for other languages if needed.

  • How It Works:

    • When you call 112, you will be connected to an operator at SOS Alarm, the national emergency call center.
    • The operator will ask for:
      1. Your location (be as specific as possible).
      2. The nature of the emergency.
      3. Any other relevant details (e.g., number of people involved, injuries, etc.).
    • The operator will then dispatch the appropriate emergency service(s).

2. Non-Emergency Numbers

For situations that are not life-threatening or urgent, Sweden has specific numbers to contact:

Police (Non-Emergency): 114 14

  • Purpose: For non-urgent police matters, such as reporting a crime that has already occurred, lost property, or general inquiries.
  • Availability: 24/7.
  • Cost: Standard local call charges apply.
  • Languages: Swedish and English.

Healthcare Advice (Non-Emergency): 1177

  • Purpose: For non-urgent medical advice and guidance. This is the number for Sweden’s national healthcare advice service, known as "1177 Vårdguiden."
  • Availability: 24/7.
  • Cost: Standard local call charges apply.
  • Languages: Swedish and English, with interpretation services available.

Poison Information Center: 010-456 6700

  • Purpose: For advice on poisoning incidents or exposure to toxic substances.
  • Availability: 24/7.
  • Cost: Standard local call charges apply.
  • Languages: Swedish and English.

3. Regulations and Legal Considerations

  • Misuse of Emergency Numbers:

    • It is illegal to misuse the 112 emergency number in Sweden.
    • False or prank calls can result in fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the misuse.
    • Misuse diverts resources from genuine emergencies, so it is taken very seriously.

  • Caller Anonymity:

    • Calls to 112 are recorded, and the caller’s location is automatically traced to ensure a swift response.
    • However, you are not required to provide your name unless it is relevant to the emergency.

  • Accessibility:

    • The 112 number is accessible to everyone, including tourists and immigrants.
    • It works on all phones, even if the phone is locked, has no credit, or lacks a SIM card.

4. Costs

  • 112 Calls: Free of charge.
  • Non-Emergency Numbers: Standard local call charges apply, depending on your phone plan.
  • Emergency Services:
    • Ambulance services are free for life-threatening emergencies.
    • For non-urgent ambulance transport, there may be a fee (usually around SEK 150–400, depending on the region).
    • Fire and police services are generally free for emergencies, but there may be costs for false alarms or negligence (e.g., if you cause a fire through carelessness).

5. Standard Procedures When Calling 112

  1. Stay Calm: Speak clearly and remain calm to provide accurate information.
  2. Provide Your Location: Give the exact address or describe landmarks if you are unsure of the address.
  3. Describe the Emergency: Explain what has happened and whether anyone is injured or in danger.
  4. Follow Instructions: The operator may give you instructions to follow until help arrives (e.g., performing CPR, evacuating a building, etc.).
  5. Do Not Hang Up: Stay on the line until the operator confirms that they have all the necessary information.

6. Country-Specific Considerations

  • Winter and Remote Areas:

    • In rural or remote areas, especially during winter, response times may be longer due to weather conditions or distance.
    • If you are traveling in remote areas, it is advisable to carry a fully charged mobile phone and inform someone of your plans.

  • Tourist and Immigrant Awareness:

    • Tourists and immigrants may not be familiar with the Swedish emergency system. It is recommended to save the 112 number in your phone and learn basic Swedish phrases for emergencies (though English is widely understood).
    • Emergency services are inclusive and will assist everyone, regardless of residency status.

  • Emergency SMS Service:

    • Sweden offers an SMS service for emergencies, primarily for individuals with hearing or speech impairments. Registration is required in advance through the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS).

  • Emergency Apps:

    • The "112 Sweden" app, provided by SOS Alarm, allows users to call 112 and automatically share their location with the operator. It also provides alerts for local emergencies, such as severe weather or accidents.

7. Summary Table of Key Numbers

| Service | Number | Purpose | Cost | |------------------------------|-------------|-----------------------------------------------|---------------------| | Emergency Services | 112 | Life-threatening emergencies (police, fire, ambulance, rescue) | Free | | Police (Non-Emergency) | 114 14 | Non-urgent police matters | Local call charges | | Healthcare Advice | 1177 | Non-urgent medical advice | Local call charges | | Poison Information Center | 010-456 6700| Advice on poisoning incidents | Local call charges |

By familiarizing yourself with these numbers and procedures, you can ensure that you are prepared to handle emergencies effectively while in Sweden. Let me know if you need further clarification or additional information!