What happens when I call 112 from my mobile?

When you call 112, please tell the operator:

• what has happened;
• what assistance is needed;
• and what type of emergency service you think is required: the police, the fire brigade or the ambulance service.

The emergency operator will put you straight through to the appropriate emergency service in your area.

Calling 112 with no prepaid credit or without a SIM card

You can always reach 112, even without prepaid credit or a valid SIM card. 112 calls are given priority over regular calls. If the call is disconnected the operator will call you back with the help of caller ID. This can be done even if there is no SIM card in your phone.

Calling 112 without a connection to your own provider

Mobile network providers will always put through a call to 112. You don’t have to make a connection to the mobile network of your own provider.

Longer waits for 112 calls from 4G networks

Users of 4G networks may have to wait longer for a call to 112 to go through. This is because 4G is currently only used for data. In order for a voice connection to be made with 112, the phone needs to switch back to a 3G or 2G network. This can take a few seconds.

Texts cannot be sent to 112

Generally speaking, you cannot text 112, nor is it possible to use texting or chat services if you need emergency assistance. Special groups of callers can, however, use these services in limited cases. Plans are being made to expand this option to the general public.