Emergency Assistance in Italy: What to Do in Case of Emergency

Italy has a unified emergency number system to help both locals and tourists get the assistance they need in times of crisis. The following numbers are critical to know:

Italy Emergency Number: 112
The 112 number is Italy's universal emergency number, similar to 911 in the United States. When you dial 112, you will be connected to emergency services, whether you need police, fire, or medical assistance. It’s an easy number to remember and use for all urgent situations. It works across all regions of Italy and is available in multiple languages, including English.

Italian Police Number For police emergencies, such as theft, accidents, or any crime, you can dial:

Italian Police Number: 113
If you need to reach the police directly for a specific incident, dial 113. In addition to 112, 113 is used to report crimes or accidents that require police intervention. You may also dial 113 for issues like traffic incidents or public safety concerns.
When you dial 113, the police operator will ask for your location and the nature of the emergency. Be ready to provide clear, concise information about the situation.

What If You Need an Ambulance?
If you’re in need of medical help, Italy offers immediate response through its emergency medical services. To request an ambulance:

Italian Emergency Number for Medical Help: 118
118 is the number to call for ambulances and medical emergencies. Whether you are experiencing a medical emergency like a heart attack, severe injury, or need an emergency medical evacuation, 118 will connect you with the ambulance service. Be prepared to answer questions about the medical issue and your location to get the right help as quickly as possible.

How to Call 911 in ItalyTravelers familiar with the 911 emergency number in the United States may be surprised to learn that 911 does not work in Italy. Instead, Italy uses 112 as the emergency number for all types of emergencies, including medical help, fire services, and police assistance. Dial 112 to access the right help.

Although 911 does not work in Italy, dialing 112 is just as effective. It is important to remember this number so you don’t waste time searching for the correct number in a stressful situation.

What to Do in Case of Emergency
Knowing the emergency numbers is only the first step. It's important to understand what to do in an emergency situation:

1. Stay Calm and Speak Clearly: Whether you need the police, medical help, or fire services, staying calm is essential. Speak clearly, and provide all necessary information. This will help the operators dispatch the right services to you faster.
2. Provide Your Location: One of the most important pieces of information you will need to share is your location. Be as specific as possible, especially in urban areas, by giving street names, landmarks, or nearby buildings. If you're unsure of your exact location, try to find a recognizable landmark or use a map application on your phone to help guide emergency services.
3. Follow the Operator’s Instructions: The emergency operator will guide you through the next steps, depending on the nature of your emergency. Follow their instructions carefully to ensure help arrives as quickly as possible.
4. Have a Phone Charger or Power Bank: If you are in a remote area or traveling for long hours, make sure your phone is fully charged. Carrying a portable charger (power bank) can be invaluable in an emergency situation.
5. Know Your Health Details: If you have any pre-existing health conditions, or if you are on medication, try to keep that information handy when traveling. In case of an emergency, this could be crucial for medical responders.

Other Emergency Numbers in ItalyBesides the general emergency number 112, here are other important numbers you should know for specific emergencies:

• Fire Department: Dial 115 for fire-related emergencies. This is the number for reporting fires, gas leaks, and other fire-related emergencies.
• Coast Guard: If you're near the coast or need assistance at sea, dial 1530 to reach Italy’s coast guard.
• Mountain Rescue: In mountainous regions, if you're hiking or skiing, and require mountain rescue, dial 118 (same as the medical emergency number), as they can coordinate rescue efforts.
• Roadside Assistance: If you have a car emergency, such as a breakdown, you can call 116 for roadside assistance.