Do you know what numbers to call in case of an emergency in Switzerland? Whether you are a new arrival or an established resident, you may not be aware of where to call in urgent situations — until you need to do so.
Even if you do know the numbers, when an emergency actually happens you may not be able to recall them. This often happens when people find themselves in stressful situations and are not thinking clearly.
That’s why you should have these numbers saved in your phone and easily accessible.
While we can’t cover all the numbers you may need in all circumstances, these are the most essential ones.
- Police: 117
- Fire service: 118
- Ambulance / medical emergencies: 144
- Poison emergencies: 145
- Rega helicopter rescue: 1414
- Mountain rescue :1415
- Distress help hotline: 143
- Support for children and teenagers in distress: 147
- Traffic emergency and car breakdown service: 140
All of these numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
While they are the same all over Switzerland, the language in which they are answered depends on the linguistic region you are in.
Remember: these numbers are to be used in emergencies only.
These are the most important and potentially life-saving numbers everyone in Switzerland should know.
