Global Major Cities Guide

Important emergency contact numbers and procedures for communicating during urgent situations in Lund.

In Sweden, including Lund, emergency services are centralized and easy to access. Here’s how you can contact them:

What it Covers: Dial 112 for police, fire brigade, ambulance, sea rescue, air rescue, poison information, and other urgent emergencies.
Availability: The number is toll-free and operates 24/7.
Languages: Operators speak Swedish and English. If you don’t speak either, they can connect you to an interpreter for other languages.
How to Call: Dial 112 from any phone (mobile or landline). You don’t need a SIM card or credit on your phone to make the call.

Police (Non-Urgent Matters): Dial 114 14 for non-urgent police assistance, such as reporting a theft or lost property.
Healthcare Advice: Dial 1177 for non-emergency medical advice. This is the Swedish Healthcare Guide (Vårdguiden), available 24/7.
Poison Information: Dial 010-456 6700 for advice on poisoning (non-urgent cases).

Sweden has a robust communication infrastructure, ensuring you can reach emergency services in various ways:

Mobile networks in Lund are reliable and cover the entire city, including rural areas.
You can use any mobile phone to call 112, even without a Swedish SIM card or credit.

Public phones are rare in Sweden, but landlines in homes, hotels, and businesses can be used to call 112.

If you are hearing or speech impaired, you can register for the SMS 112 service in advance. This allows you to send a text message to emergency services.
To register, visit the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) website and follow the instructions.

SOS Alarm App: Download the SOS Alarm app (available on iOS and Android). It allows you to call 112 and automatically shares your location with emergency services.
Krisinformation App: This app provides real-time updates and alerts during emergencies, such as natural disasters or major incidents.

Calling 112: Free of charge.
Non-Emergency Numbers: Calls to 114 14 (police) and 1177 (healthcare advice) are charged at local rates, which are typically low if you have a Swedish SIM card or a local phone plan.
Interpreter Services: Free when calling 112. For non-emergency calls, interpreter services may not always be available.

If you encounter an emergency in Lund, follow these steps:

Determine if the situation is life-threatening or requires immediate assistance (e.g., fire, medical emergency, crime in progress).
If it’s urgent, call 112. If not, use the appropriate non-emergency number.

When calling 112, be prepared to provide:

Your location: Be as specific as possible. If you’re unsure, describe landmarks or use the SOS Alarm app to share your GPS location.
The nature of the emergency: Explain what has happened (e.g., fire, accident, medical issue).
Details of those involved: Number of people affected, their condition, and any immediate dangers.

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

Remaining calm helps you communicate clearly and ensures emergency responders can assist you effectively.

Lund is a small, safe, and well-organized city, but emergencies can still happen. Here are some local tips:

Swedes value efficiency and direct communication. Be concise and clear when describing the emergency.
Emergency responders are highly trained and will take control of the situation upon arrival.

Most Swedes speak English fluently, including emergency operators and responders. However, if you don’t speak English or Swedish, ask for an interpreter when calling 112.

Lund is a walkable city with many landmarks. Familiarize yourself with key locations (e.g., Lund Cathedral, Lund Central Station) to help describe your position in an emergency.
If you’re in a rural area or nature reserve near Lund, use GPS coordinates or the SOS Alarm app to share your location.

Lund has excellent healthcare facilities, including Skåne University Hospital (Skånes Universitetssjukhus), which is one of the largest hospitals in Sweden. In a medical emergency, you may be taken here.
Pharmacies (Apotek) are widely available for minor health issues. Look for the green cross sign.

Lund experiences cold winters with snow and ice. Be cautious of slippery roads and sidewalks. In case of a fall or injury, call 112 for assistance.
During storms or heavy rain, check the Krisinformation app for updates on weather-related disruptions.

Save important numbers (112, 114 14, 1177) in your phone.
Keep a basic first aid kit and a charged mobile phone with you at all times.
If you’re an immigrant, consider learning basic Swedish phrases for emergencies, such as:
- "Hjälp!" (Help!)
- "Jag behöver en ambulans." (I need an ambulance.)
- "Det är en brand." (There is a fire.)
- "Jag är skadad." (I am injured.)

Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB): Provides information on emergency preparedness in Sweden. Website: www.msb.se
Krisinformation.se: Official Swedish website for crisis information. Offers updates in multiple languages.
Local Police Station in Lund: Visit the Lund police station for non-urgent matters. Address: Byggmästaregatan 1, 222 37 Lund.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared to handle emergencies in Lund, Sweden. Stay safe!