Making an emergency call correctly

In short: In Germany you reach the fire brigade and ambulance service on 112 and the police on 110. Staying calm and answering the control centre’s questions makes sure help arrives quickly at the right place.

In more detail: 112 works throughout the European Union and is free of charge, including from mobile phones. The control centre guides you through the call and often sends help while it is still asking questions.

In detail

• Which number: 112 for fires, serious accidents and life-threatening illness; 110 when the police are needed, for example for crimes or danger from other people.
• Where did it happen: The most important detail is the exact location, with street, house number and floor, or on the motorway the direction of travel and kilometre marker.
• What happened: Briefly describe what happened, for example a fall, a road accident or a fire.
• How many people are affected: The number of injured or ill people helps the control centre send enough responders.
• What injuries: Say whether someone is unconscious, not breathing normally or bleeding heavily.
• Wait for questions: Do not hang up yourself; the control centre ends the call and gives instructions if needed, for example on resuscitation.
• Not urgent: For complaints that are not life-threatening, the out-of-hours medical on-call service in Germany can be reached on 116117.
• Help on site: After the call, give first aid, if possible send someone to the road to guide the crew in, and secure the scene of an accident.
• Be prepared: A first-aid course gives you confidence for an emergency and is recommended for everyone (erste-hilfe-grundlagen, wiederbelebung-und-defibrillator-grundlagen).