Frequently asked questions
Which emergency number should I call in Switzerland, and when?
In an emergency, calling the right number is crucial. Switzerland has several emergency numbers, depending on the type of emergency. The most important ones are:
144: the emergency number for medical emergencies in Switzerland
112: the universal emergency number in many European countries – including Switzerland
117: the emergency number of the Swiss police
118: the Swiss emergency number for the fire brigade and rescue services
Why does it matter which emergency number you call?
Calling the right number shortens the response time and makes sure you quickly get the help you need.
For all medical emergencies – whether an accident or an illness – call 144. It is the emergency medical dispatch centre, reachable around the clock, which directly coordinates the ambulance, rescue helicopter or other emergency services.
Thomas Brunner, Head of Emergency Medical Services and Deputy Managing Director of the IVR (Swiss Interassociation for Rescue), answers this question as follows: "In Switzerland, 144 is the number responsible for all medical emergencies. It is available around the clock so that you can get help quickly in an emergency."
What role do private emergency hotlines play?
Alongside the official emergency numbers, there are private emergency hotlines run by private companies or organisations that offer emergency assistance services. It is important to be aware, though, that private hotlines do not always offer the same reliability and coverage as the official emergency numbers. In an emergency, it is always advisable to call the official numbers.
The media office of Schutz & Rettung of the City of Zurich confirms this: "Only the emergency medical dispatch centres (144) have the full overview and the ability to immediately alert all available emergency services (ambulances, emergency doctors, first responders, air rescue, etc.) in order to guarantee the fastest and most suitable help and rescue. The emergency medical dispatch centre is the hub for all medical emergencies. Other organisations have no direct access to the emergency services, which causes risky delays."
Only the emergency number 144 has direct access to all available emergency services. To get medical care as quickly as possible, always call 144 first.
Tips for making an emergency call
1. Stay calm: keep calm and speak clearly, so that the dispatch centre coordinating the rescue understands you quickly.
2. Describe the situation: explain what has happened. Try to stick to the facts. Describe what happened and what kind of injuries there are on site.
3. Give your location: state exactly where you are. If you are not sure, look out for landmarks you can see. In most cases, the emergency services have a system that locates your call. This system is called Advanced Mobile Location (AML).
4. Answer the questions: the dispatch centre will guide you through the call and ask further questions so that you get even better help. Here too, try to stay calm, listen and follow the instructions. These people are trained for situations like this and want to make sure you get the best possible medical care.
What is the next-best principle?
This principle makes sure that the closest or most suitable rescue units are sent out, so that care at the scene of the accident is provided as quickly as possible.
At https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmxEPAcY4Vk you will find an interesting explanatory video about the next-best principle.
A note for our policyholders
Getting you medical care as quickly as possible in a medical emergency matters to us. So in a medical emergency, always call the local emergency number – for example 144 in Switzerland or 112 in Europe.
At https://sos144.ch/en/emergency you will find the emergency numbers for every country.
Other emergencies such as breakdown assistance, repatriation or travel incidents should be reported to our 24/7 emergency number +41 848 801 803.
If you have any questions, you can contact us by email, WhatsApp or by phone. We look forward to hearing from you.
Weitere Fragen zum Thema 'Rescue: illness or accident?'
- What is the average cost of an ambulance transport in Switzerland?
- What is the average cost of sending out a rescue helicopter in Switzerland?
- How are rescue costs regulated in Switzerland in the event of an accident?
- Who covers the costs of an accident abroad?
- How is legal insurance for illness regulated in Switzerland?
- Who covers the costs of illness abroad?
- How many ambulance calls are there in Switzerland every year?
- How many rescue helicopter missions are there in Switzerland every year?
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