Stockholm

๐Ÿšจ

Emergency Services

Important information on contacting police, fire, and medical emergencies in Stockholm.

Sections

Emergency Services in Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm, like the rest of Sweden, has a well-organized and efficient emergency services system. The country prioritizes public safety and ensures that emergency services are accessible to everyone, including visitors and immigrants. Below is a detailed breakdown of the types of emergency services available, how to contact them, associated costs, procedures, and cultural considerations.

1. Types of Emergency Services

a. Police (Polisen)

  • Role: The Swedish Police handle law enforcement, crime prevention, public order, and assistance in emergencies involving safety or security.
  • Contact Number: Dial 112 for emergencies or 114 14 for non-urgent police matters (e.g., reporting a crime that is not in progress).
  • Availability: 24/7.

b. Fire and Rescue Services (Rรคddningstjรคnsten)

  • Role: The fire department responds to fires, accidents, hazardous material incidents, and rescue operations (e.g., traffic accidents, water rescues).
  • Contact Number: Dial 112 for emergencies.
  • Availability: 24/7.

c. Medical Services (Ambulanssjukvรฅrd)

  • Role: Emergency medical services (EMS) provide pre-hospital care and transport to hospitals. This includes life-threatening conditions, accidents, and sudden illnesses.
  • Contact Number: Dial 112 for emergencies.
  • Availability: 24/7.

d. Poison Information Center (Giftinformationscentralen)

  • Role: Provides advice on poisoning incidents, including ingestion of harmful substances.
  • Contact Number: Dial 112 in emergencies or 010-456 6700 for non-urgent poison-related inquiries.

e. Sea and Mountain Rescue

  • Role: Specialized rescue services for incidents at sea or in remote areas.
  • Contact Number: Dial 112 for emergencies.

f. Social Emergency Services (Socialjouren)

  • Role: Provides assistance in social crises, such as domestic violence, child protection, or homelessness.
  • Contact Number: Dial 112 for emergencies or contact the local municipality for non-urgent matters.

2. How to Contact Emergency Services

  • Universal Emergency Number: Dial 112 for all emergencies. This number connects you to the appropriate service (police, fire, medical, etc.).
  • Languages: Operators speak Swedish and English, and translation services are available for other languages.
  • Accessibility: The number is free to call from any phone, including mobile phones without a SIM card.

3. Procedures to Follow in an Emergency

  1. Stay Calm: Take a deep breath and try to remain composed.
  2. Dial 112: This is the universal emergency number in Sweden.
  3. Provide Key Information:
    • Your location (be as specific as possible, including landmarks or addresses).
    • The nature of the emergency (e.g., fire, medical issue, crime in progress).
    • Any relevant details (e.g., number of people involved, severity of injuries).
  4. Follow Instructions: The operator will guide you on what to do until help arrives.
  5. Stay on the Line: Do not hang up until the operator tells you to.

4. Associated Costs

  • Police and Fire Services: Free of charge for all residents, visitors, and immigrants.
  • Medical Services:
    • Ambulance transport is not free and typically costs around 1,200 SEK (approximately โ‚ฌ100 or $110 USD). However, this fee is often covered by Swedish health insurance or travel insurance.
    • Emergency medical treatment at hospitals is subsidized for residents. Visitors may need to pay out-of-pocket unless they have travel insurance or an EU Health Insurance Card (for EU/EEA citizens).
  • Social Services: Free for those in need, but eligibility may depend on residency status.

5. Local Considerations and Cultural Aspects

a. Efficiency and Professionalism

  • Emergency services in Sweden are highly efficient and professional. Response times are generally quick, especially in urban areas like Stockholm.

b. Language

  • Most emergency personnel speak English fluently, so language barriers are rarely an issue. However, learning a few basic Swedish phrases (e.g., "Hjรคlp!" for "Help!") can be useful.

c. Personal Responsibility

  • Swedes value self-reliance. While emergency services are readily available, it is expected that individuals take reasonable steps to ensure their own safety (e.g., carrying a first-aid kit, knowing basic CPR).

d. Emergency Preparedness

  • Stockholm is a safe city, but itโ€™s wise to familiarize yourself with emergency exits, fire alarms, and assembly points in public places like hotels, malls, and transport hubs.

e. Non-Emergency Situations

  • For non-urgent medical advice, you can call 1177 Vรฅrdguiden (Swedish Healthcare Guide) for free advice from a nurse. This service is available 24/7 and offers assistance in English.

f. Reporting Crimes

  • If you are a victim of a crime, report it to the police by calling 114 14 or visiting a local police station. For lost property, you can also use this number.

g. Emergency Apps

  • Download the 112 Sweden app, which allows you to share your location with emergency services and provides additional safety information.

6. Additional Tips for Visitors and Immigrants

  • Travel Insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, including ambulance transport.
  • EU/EEA Citizens: Carry your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access subsidized healthcare.
  • Local Emergency Numbers: Save the non-emergency numbers (e.g., 114 14 for police) in your phone for easy access.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Swedes are generally calm and composed, even in emergencies. Try to mirror this demeanor when interacting with emergency personnel.

7. Key Emergency Numbers Summary

| Service | Number | Notes | |-----------------------------|----------|-----------------------------------------| | Universal Emergency Number | 112 | Police, fire, medical, and rescue. | | Non-Urgent Police Matters | 114 14 | Reporting crimes or lost property. | | Poison Information Center | 010-456 6700 | Non-urgent poison-related inquiries. | | Healthcare Advice | 1177 | Free medical advice from a nurse. |

By understanding how emergency services work in Stockholm, you can feel confident and prepared to handle any unexpected situations during your stay. If you have further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask!