Table des matières:
Emergency Numbers in Italy: What You Need to Know
If you’re in Italy and need urgent help, dialing the right emergency number can save precious minutes. The main number to remember is 112, the European single emergency number, which connects you to police, medical, or fire services in English and other languages. But Italy also has dedicated numbers for specific emergencies. This guide explains each number, when to use it, and how to get help quickly.
Why 112 Is the Most Important Number in Italy
Since 2018, Italy has fully adopted the single European emergency number 112. It is free to call from any phone, including mobile phones without a SIM card. When you dial 112, a trained operator answers and asks which service you need: police (Polizia), ambulance (Emergenza Sanitaria), or fire department (Vigili del Fuoco). The operator can speak English, French, German, and other languages. This makes 112 the best choice for tourists and non-Italian speakers.
How 112 Works
When you call 112, your location is automatically detected if you’re using a mobile phone. The operator will ask for details and then transfer your call to the appropriate local service. Even if you’re in a remote area, 112 should work. However, always be ready to describe your location as precisely as possible.
Other Emergency Numbers in Italy
While 112 is the universal number, Italy also maintains traditional numbers for direct contact with specific services. These numbers can still be used, but 112 is preferred because it centralizes dispatch.
| Number | Service | When to Call |
|---|---|---|
| 112 | Single European Emergency Number | All emergencies – police, fire, medical, mountain rescue |
| 113 | Polizia di Stato (State Police) | Crimes, theft, assault, public order issues |
| 115 | Vigili del Fuoco (Fire Department) | Fires, floods, gas leaks, structural collapses |
| 118 | Emergenza Sanitaria (Medical Emergency) | Medical emergencies, accidents, heart attacks, injuries |
| 1515 | Corpo Forestale (Forestry Corps) | Wildfires, environmental emergencies, poaching |
| 1530 | Guardia Costiera (Coast Guard) | Maritime emergencies, boat accidents, drowning |
When to Call Which Number: Practical Examples
Knowing which number to dial in a specific situation can be confusing. Here’s a quick guide:
- Medical emergency: Call 118 or 112. If someone is unconscious, bleeding heavily, or having a heart attack, call immediately.
- Crime in progress: Call 113 or 112. For theft, burglary, or assault, contact the police.
- Fire: Call 115 or 112. For any fire, from a kitchen fire to a forest fire.
- Car accident with injuries: Call 118 and 112. If there are injuries, medical help is needed first.
- Lost in the mountains: Call 112. Alpine rescue is coordinated through 112.
- Maritime emergency: Call 1530 or 112. The Coast Guard handles sea rescues.
What to Say When You Call an Emergency Number in Italy
When you call, stay calm and speak clearly. Even if you don’t speak Italian, operators are trained to handle calls in English. Provide the following information:
- Your name (first name is enough)
- The type of emergency (medical, police, fire)
- Your exact location (street name, number, city, nearby landmarks)
- Details about the situation (how many people injured, what happened)
- Your phone number (in case you get disconnected)
Example: “Hello, I need an ambulance. There’s been a car accident. I’m at Via Roma 45, Florence. Two people are injured. My name is John.”
Emergency Numbers for Tourists: Additional Tips
Tourists often worry about language barriers. Here’s what you need to know:
- 112 operators speak English and often other languages. If you don’t speak Italian, start with “Do you speak English?”
- Save 112 in your phone as a contact. It’s the most reliable number.
- Use the app “Where Are U” – it’s an official Italian app that sends your GPS location to 112 operators. Available in English.
- If you have no credit or no SIM, you can still call 112. It works on any network, even without a SIM card.
- For non-urgent medical help, call the Guardia Medica (local on-call doctor) at the number provided by your hotel or local health authority.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Calling Emergency Numbers in Italy
Many people make errors that delay help. Avoid these:
- Calling the wrong number: For example, calling 113 for a fire. Use 112 if unsure.
- Hanging up too soon: Wait for the operator to tell you it’s okay to hang up.
- Not knowing your location: Use landmarks if you don’t have an address. Look for street signs or ask someone nearby.
- Assuming 911 works: 911 does not work in Italy. Only use Italian emergency numbers.
- Calling for non-emergencies: For minor issues like a lost passport, contact your embassy, not 112.
What About 911? Does It Work in Italy?
No, 911 is not an emergency number in Italy. If you dial 911 from a mobile phone, it may be redirected to 112 in some cases, but you should never rely on it. Always dial 112 or the specific number for the service you need. Some phones automatically redirect 911 to 112, but this is not guaranteed. To be safe, use 112.
Emergency Numbers for Specific Situations
Medical and Health
For medical emergencies, call 118 or 112. Italy has an excellent public healthcare system. Ambulances are free for emergencies, but non-emergency transport may have a fee. If you need a doctor for a non-urgent issue, look for a “Guardia Medica” (medical guard) clinic. The number varies by region; ask at your hotel or pharmacy.
Police and Security
For crimes, call 113 (Polizia di Stato) or 112. If you are a victim of theft, you must file a report (denuncia) at a police station. This is often required for insurance claims. The Carabinieri (military police) also handle some crimes; their emergency number is 112 as well, but they can be reached at local stations.
Fire and Natural Disasters
For fires, call 115 or 112. The Vigili del Fuoco also handle floods, gas leaks, and building collapses. In case of an earthquake, call 112 for rescue services.
Mountain and Sea Rescue
If you are hiking or skiing and need rescue, call 112 for Alpine rescue (Soccorso Alpino). For sea emergencies, call 1530 (Guardia Costiera) or 112. These services are well-coordinated and respond quickly.
Checklist: What to Do Before Traveling to Italy
- ☐ Save 112 in your phone contacts.
- ☐ Download the “Where Are U” app and enable location.
- ☐ Learn basic phrases like “I need help” (Ho bisogno di aiuto) and “I speak English” (Parlo inglese).
- ☐ Note the address of your accommodation and carry it with you.
- ☐ Check your health insurance coverage for emergency care in Italy.
- ☐ For EU citizens, bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Numbers in Italy
Can I call 112 from a locked phone?
Yes, you can call 112 from any mobile phone, even if it is locked or has no SIM card. This is a legal requirement in the EU.
Do emergency operators speak English?
Yes, 112 operators are trained to handle calls in English, French, German, and other languages. Start with “Do you speak English?”
What if I call 112 by mistake?
Don’t hang up. Tell the operator it was a mistake. If you hang up, they may call you back or dispatch help to your location to check.
Is 118 still in use?
Yes, 118 is still active for medical emergencies, but 112 is recommended because it coordinates all services. You can use either.
Are ambulances free in Italy?
Emergency ambulance services are generally free of charge. Non-emergency transport may have a fee. Always confirm with the operator.
What number do I call for roadside assistance?
For car breakdowns, call your insurance provider or the general emergency number 112. They will connect you to roadside assistance. Alternatively, call the Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI) at 803 116 (from landline) or 800 116 800 (from mobile).
Stay Safe in Italy: Know the Numbers
Knowing the emergency numbers in Italy is a simple step that can make a big difference in a crisis. The most important takeaway: dial 112 for any emergency. It’s free, multilingual, and connects you to the right service. Whether you’re a tourist exploring Rome or a resident living in Milan, save 112 in your phone and share it with your travel companions. For non-emergencies, keep the other numbers handy. With this knowledge, you can enjoy your time in Italy with greater peace of mind.
Is 112 really free from any phone? I have an old mobile without a SIM card—would it still work?
Yes, 112 is free and can be dialed from any phone, even without a SIM card, as long as the phone has battery and signal. It connects to the nearest emergency center.
Do I need to speak Italian to use 112? I’m worried about the language barrier.
No, 112 operators speak English and other languages. When you call, state your language, and they will connect you to an interpreter or an English-speaking operator.
What if I’m hiking in the Alps and have no mobile signal? Can 112 still work?
112 may not work without any signal. In remote mountains, consider carrying a satellite phone or personal locator beacon. Some areas have mountain rescue apps that use SMS when signal is weak.
I always thought 118 was the main medical number. Is it still okay to call 118 directly?
Yes, 118 is still active and connects you directly to medical emergency services. However, 112 is recommended because it can also dispatch police or fire if needed, and it’s the single number across Europe.
For a car accident with no injuries, should I call 113 or 112?
If there are no injuries but property damage, you can call 113 (police) or 112. The police will handle the report. For minor accidents, you might also be able to exchange information without calling, but it’s safer to call.
Good guide. I live in Italy and always use 112, but I didn’t know about 1515 for environmental issues. Thanks!
You’re welcome! 1515 is specifically for the Forestry Corps, handling wildfires and environmental crimes. But for any emergency, 112 remains the best first call.
I noticed 113 is for state police. If I call 112 for a theft, will they route me to 113 anyway?
Yes, if you call 112 for a theft, the operator will transfer you to the police service (113 or local police). Using 112 is often faster because they handle the routing.
Is 1530 for coast guard only for boats? What if I see someone drowning from the shore?
1530 is for maritime emergencies, including drowning from shore. But 112 is also appropriate; they can alert the coast guard. If you’re near water, 112 is a good first call.