In Italy, the emergency number to call for immediate assistance is 112. This number can be dialed from any phone, including mobile phones, and is accessible 24/7.
Here are some important emergency services and their respective phone numbers in Italy:
- Police: For non-emergency situations and general inquiries, you can contact the police by dialing 113. This number connects you to the Polizia di Stato (State Police).
- Medical Emergencies: For medical emergencies, including ambulance services, you can call 118. This number connects you to the Emergency Medical Service (Servizio Emergenza Sanitaria) and should be used in situations where urgent medical assistance is needed.
- Fire Department: In case of fires or other emergencies requiring the fire department, you can call 115. This number connects you to the Vigili del Fuoco (Firefighters).
- Coast Guard: If you are in a coastal area and require assistance at sea, you can contact the Coast Guard by dialing 1530.
- Mountain Rescue: For emergencies in mountainous areas, such as hiking accidents or search and rescue operations, you can call the Mountain Rescue Service (Soccorso Alpino) at 118.
It’s important to note that while English may be spoken by some emergency operators, it’s not guaranteed. If you don’t speak Italian, it can be helpful to have a local resident or someone who speaks the language assist you in making the emergency call.
When reporting an emergency, provide clear and concise information about the situation, your location, and any necessary details to ensure that the appropriate help is dispatched as quickly as possible.
It’s also worth noting that Italy has a European Union-wide emergency number, 112, which can be dialed to access emergency services throughout the European Union countries. This can be particularly useful for visitors or tourists from other EU countries who are already familiar with the 112 emergency number.
Remember to use emergency services responsibly and only for genuine emergencies. For non-emergency situations, it’s advisable to contact the appropriate authorities or local police station directly.