Emergency Services: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to access immediate medical and police help in the Netherlands and understand when to call versus when to use local services.
This service provides immediate response and assistance from police or ambulance crews during life-threatening situations in the Netherlands.
Who it's for
This service is available to everyone. Regardless of your status or location within the country, anyone facing a critical, life-threatening situation can access these emergency responders.
What you get
When you contact the emergency services, you receive an immediate response designed for high-stakes situations. This includes assistance from the National Police or ambulance crews to help manage and resolve life-threatening incidents as they happen. These responders are trained to provide rapid intervention when immediate professional help is required to save lives or manage extreme danger.
What it costs you
Using these emergency services is free of charge. You do not need to pay a fee at the moment you call for help or when the emergency responders arrive on the scene to assist you.
The catch to know
It is important to use the correct channel for your specific needs to ensure resources are available for those in immediate danger. Do not call the emergency number for non-emergency medical issues. If you are experiencing a medical issue that requires attention but is not life-threatening, you should contact your local GP post (Huisartsenpost) instead. Using the emergency line for non-urgent matters can delay help for others in critical condition.
How to apply
- Determine if the situation is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate police or ambulance intervention.
- Dial the emergency number (112) to reach the dispatch operator.
- Provide the operator with your location and a clear description of the emergency.
- Follow all instructions provided by the operator while waiting for responders to arrive.