What 112 is
112 has been the single European emergency number since 1991 and is free everywhere in the EU. One number reaches an ambulance, the fire brigade or the police. It works even if your phone is locked or has no credit, and handsets can dial it on any available network.
Language and finding you
A trained operator answers and either helps directly or transfers you to the right service. Most member states report their 112 centres can handle calls in English, and large centres use interpreters. If you do not know where you are, the operator can locate your phone. One honest caveat: English is not guaranteed everywhere, and in rural areas a call may take longer to route, so saving the local ambulance number too is sensible.
Country ambulance numbers that still work alongside 112
| Country | Ambulance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| France | 15 (SAMU) | 112 general; SOS Médecins for home visits |
| Italy | 118 | 112 now the single number; 116117 for non-urgent in some regions |
| Spain | 061 | 112 general |
| Greece | 166 (EKAV) | 112 general; island services can be limited |
| Germany | 112 | 110 for police; 116117 out-of-hours GP line |
| Switzerland | 144 | 1414 Rega air rescue; 112 also works |
| Austria | 144 | 140 alpine rescue |
| Croatia | 194 | 112 general; 195 maritime rescue |
When to use it
Use 112 for anything life-threatening: difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe bleeding, a serious accident, a suspected stroke or a bad allergic reaction. For minor illness, a pharmacy or a local doctor is faster and more appropriate. Hoax calls are a criminal offence in most countries.
Common questions
What is the 112 number?
112 is the free single emergency number across the EU and EEA, reachable from any phone even when locked or out of credit. It connects you to ambulance, fire or police.
Does 112 work in the UK?
Yes. 112 works in the UK alongside 999, and calls are routed to the same service.
What is the ambulance number in France and Italy?
France uses 15 for the SAMU ambulance service and Italy uses 118, though 112 works as the general emergency number in both.
Will the operator speak English?
Most EU member states report their 112 centres can answer in English, and larger centres use interpreters, but it is not guaranteed everywhere, so saving the local number helps.
Check it yourself
Rules change, so the official source is the final word.