General Emergency Number: Who Qualifies and What You Get

The General Emergency Number is a critical system designed to provide immediate connection to life-saving services during a crisis or urgent situation.

👤Who it's for

This service is intended for everyone. Whether you are a resident or a visitor navigating Switzerland, the service is available to any individual who finds themselves in an emergency situation and requires immediate assistance.

🎁What you get

When you use this service, you gain access to essential emergency responders. This includes the police, the fire department, and ambulance services. These services are coordinated to ensure that help can be dispatched to your location when a crisis occurs.

💰What it costs you

Using this emergency service is free. There are no charges for making the call to access these life-saving responders.

⚠️The catch to know

While the general number is a primary way to reach help, it is important to know that specific emergency departments have their own direct lines. If you need to reach a specific service directly, you should use the following numbers: call 117 for the police, 118 for the fire department, and 144 for an ambulance. Knowing these specific numbers can be helpful in certain situations to ensure you are connected to the correct department immediately.

📝How to apply

In an emergency, you do not need to submit an application or register for this service. You simply dial the emergency number from your phone to be connected to the relevant responders. For more information on civil protection, you can contact the issuing body.