DON’T MISS
IamExpat Job BoardIamExpat HousingIamExpat Webinars
Newsletters
EXPAT INFO
CAREER
HOUSING
EDUCATION
LIFESTYLE
EXPAT SERVICES
NEWS & ARTICLES
Emergency numbers & services
117, 118 & 144PoliceMedical emergenciesRoad accidentsFire brigadeAlarms & sirens

Swiss emergency numbers & services

Home
Expat Info
Emergency numbers & services
Home
Expat Info
Emergency numbers & services
Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy

By Jan de BoerPublished on Apr 8, 2025
Was this helpful?
Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy
or
follow us for regular updates:

MORE ON EMERGENCIES

Emergency numbers

Swiss police
Medical emergencies
Road accidents & car crashes
Fire brigade
Alarms & sirens

Related Stories

How to avoid scams when looking for an apartment in SwitzerlandHow to avoid scams when looking for an apartment in Switzerland
What is the Geneva Convention and why does it matter?What is the Geneva Convention and why does it matter?
Gun laws in SwitzerlandGun laws in Switzerland
How someone in Switzerland can help people in Turkey and SyriaHow someone in Switzerland can help people in Turkey and Syria
7 things expats in Switzerland need to know about in October 20227 things expats in Switzerland need to know about in October 2022
How to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes in SwitzerlandHow to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes in Switzerland
Was there really a tsunami-like wave on Lake Geneva in the 6th century?Was there really a tsunami-like wave on Lake Geneva in the 6th century?
Tick season in Switzerland: What expats need to knowTick season in Switzerland: What expats need to know
For expats of all colours, shapes and sizes

Explore
Expat infoCareerHousingEducationLifestyleExpat servicesNews & articles
About us
IamExpat MediaAdvertisePost a jobContact usSitemapRSS feeds
More IamExpat
IamExpat Job BoardIamExpat HousingWebinarsNewsletters
Privacy
Terms of usePrivacy policyCookiesAvoiding scams

Never miss a thing!Sign up for expat events, news & offers, delivered once a week.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy


© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.
© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.

There are three main emergency services in Switzerland, each with their own emergency numbers. In the event of an emergency, it is important to know who you can - and should - call.

Emergency numbers in Switzerland

There are three main emergency services in Switzerland:

  • Police: 117
  • Fire service: 118
  • Medical service: 144

You can find out more about the 117, 118 and 144 emergency numbers, and when to call them, in our guide. 

Police in Switzerland (Fedpol)

The police force in Switzerland is not run on a federal level. Instead, each of the 26 cantons has its own police service. Some cities also operate municipal police agencies but, in general, national-level law enforcement is coordinated by a board of cantonal police officers.

The 26 cantonal police forces, as well as the municipal police agencies, are not subordinate to federal authorities. Commanding officers report to the head of the cantonal or municipal department of police, who will be a member of a cantonal or municipal governing council.

Fire service in Switzerland (Feuerwehr)

Most fire departments in Switzerland are militia-based, although professional fire departments do exist. Anyone in urgent need can contact the Swiss fire bridage by calling 118.

Medical service (Notfalldienst)

Switzerland’s emergency medical services can be reached by calling 144 or the European emergency number 112. Alternatively, you can visit the Accident and Emergency Department at your local hospital, or a specialist emergency clinic for minor issues. You can also call the above numbers for information regarding out-of-hours care.

The European emergency number

Anyone requiring urgent assistance from Switzerland’s emergency services can call the 112 European emergency number. You will be put through to an operator, who will then connect you to the appropriate service. The European emergency number can be contacted from any mobile phone or landline phone.

Other emergency services

Should you need specific help in an emergency, such as in the case of poisoning or someone in need of mountain rescue, there are dedicated numbers for other emergency services. Their numbers are:

  • Rega (Swiss Air-Rescue): 1414
  • Poisoning emergencies: 145
  • Emergency breakdown service: 140

Instructions for calling emergency numbers

  • Wait to be connected and introduce yourself to the operator.
  • Stay calm and describe the situation, giving as many details as possible.
  • Tell the operator your location and explain how the emergency services can reach the site of the incident.
  • Answer any questions the operator asks and follow their advice.
  • Stay on the line until you are asked to hang up the phone.
  • Ensure your phone line is kept free in case the emergency services need to contact you again.
  • Only call back if you can share further information or the situation changes.

Swiss alarms and sirens

There is a nationwide alarm system in Switzerland (Polyalert). After the alarms have been sounded, relevant information is conveyed via the radio. In case of a power failure, authorities might disseminate information via megaphones, couriers or leaflets.

All sirens in Switzerland are annually tested on the first Wednesday of February. A water alert signal is also tested in areas close to dams.

Road accidents in Switzerland

Anyone involved in a road traffic incident in Switzerland must stop and immediately clear the accident site. Not doing this, or leaving the scene of the accident, is considered a breach of your legal obligation. Anyone failing to stop after being involved in an incident where people are injured is considered to have committed an offence and could face prosecution.