You can report anything on 112, the European general emergency phone number, and they will direct you to the relevant services. But knowing the exact number to call will ensure a faster response in a situation where time is critical.
If you are hearing impaired there is an SMS service on 114.
The emergency services may call you back to verify your position or check information - if so, that call will come from 0800 112 112.
Who to call in life-threatening situations?
Call 18 if someone's life is in danger. This number connects to the fire services (Pompiers) who provide rapid medical intervention and rescue.
They deal with accidents and emergencies such as fire, gas leaks, road accidents, risk of collapse, burial and electrocution, and also medical emergencies.
Some handy phrases
Je vois un feu de forêt/un incendie - I can see a forest fire/a fire
READ ALSO What to do if you see a wildfire in France
Il y a eu un accident de voiture. There has been a car accident.
Il y a eu une explosion de gaz. There has been a gas explosion.
Il (elle) est gravement blessé(e). He (she) is seriously injured.
And if you have trouble remembering that number, a group of firefighters in Lille made this topless video to remind people of the number to call.
Who to call about a critical medical emergency?
Call 15 to alert the SAMU (service d'aide médicale urgente) to critical health and medical situations which require urgent medical attention such as severe chest pain, breathing difficulties, hemorrhage, coma, extreme burns or intoxication.
There is significant cross-over between the pompiers and the SAMU when it comes to dealing with medical emergencies. In general the SAMU tend to deal with purely medical situations (and are more likely to be able give drugs) while the pompiers deal with accidents and injuries, although a lot also depends on services available locally - don't worry too much about which one to call, you will get help either way and local coordinators can dispatch the best service to you.
Some handy phrases;
Il (elle) est inconscient(e), il (elle) ne respire plus. He (she) is unconscious, he (she) has stopped breathing.
S’il vous plait, appelez une ambulance. Please call for an ambulance.
Où se trouve le service des urgences le plus proche? Where is the nearest A&E/Emergency Room?
Urgent care: How to get non-emergency medical treatment in France
Who to call to report a crime?
Call 17 to report a crime or offence that requires immediate police response such as assault, burglary or pickpocketing.
The Police Nationale is responsible for Paris and other urban areas whilst the gendarmerie is responsible for small towns and rural areas. The Compagnie Républicaine de la Sécurité (CRS), often known as the riot police, deals with public disturbances such as crowd control whilst the gendarmes deal with general law and order.
READ ALSO Policiers to gendarmes - who does what in the French police forces?
Some handy phrases
Je me suis fait agresser. I have been assaulted.
Il y a eu une agression (au couteau). There has been a (knife) attack.
Il y a une émeute. There is a riot.
If you don't need an immediate police response but do need a police report (eg reporting a theft for insurance purposes) you can report this at your local police station, or using the online reporting services in the case of a more minor crime.
Who to call about a terror attack or kidnapping?
Call 197 to alert the authorities to a terror attack or share details about a terror suspect. The hotline is also used in the case of kidnapping.
Some handy phrases
Pouvez-vous venir rapidement, il y a eu une attaque. Can you come quickly, an attack has occurred.
Who to call about a maritime emergency?
Call 196 to alert the French coastguard (centre opérationnel de surveillance et de sauvetage en mer - CROSS) about a sea or lake emergency such as missing persons or anything else that seems abnormal. You can use VHF (Very high frequency) Channel 16 to signal a maritime emergency by radio when not on land.
Who to call about homelessness?
Call 115 to reach the emergency shelter hotline if you risk homelessness. It can also be used to report anyone who appears to be in social distress.
Who to call about child abuse?
Call 119 to report any form of child abuse or exploitation.
Who to call about an aeronautical emergency?
Call 191 for air rescue in the case of plane accident or disappearance.
Who to call if in doubt?
Call 112 if in doubt (or 114 for people with hearing and speaking difficulties, who are also able to communicate by text or fax). This is the Universal European Emergency Services who can direct you to the correct line.
The number is available free of charge everywhere in the EU from all phones including mobiles and does not require prepaid credit or a valid SIM card. The operators speak over 40 languages including English.
Genevieve Mansfield
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