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The essential Swiss phone numbers you should never forget

The Local Switzerland
The Local Switzerland - [email protected]
The essential Swiss phone numbers you should never forget
In an emergency, it's crucial to know where to call. Photo by Karolina Grabowska / Pexels

Do you know what numbers to call in case of an emergency in Switzerland? Whether you are a new arrival or an established resident, you may not be aware of where to call in urgent situations — until you need to do so.

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Even if you do know the numbers, when an emergency actually happens you may not be able to recall them. This often happens when people find themselves in stressful situations and are not thinking clearly.

That’s why you should have these numbers saved in your phone and easily accessible..

While we can’t cover all the numbers you may need in all circumstances, these are the most essential ones.

  • Police: 117
  • Fire service: 118
  • Ambulance / medical emergencies: 144
  • Poison emergencies: 145
  • Rega helicopter rescue: 1414
  • Mountain rescue :1415
  • Distress help hotline: 143
  • Support for children and teenagers in distress: 147
  • Traffic emergency and car breakdown service: 140

All of these numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

While they are the same all over Switzerland, the language in which they are answered depends on the linguistic region you are in.

Remember: these numbers are to be used in emergencies only.

Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP

These are the most important and potentially life-saving numbers everyone in Switzerland should know.

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Other numbers that you may find useful as well are the ones pertaining to the pandemic:

  • Coronavirus Infoline: 058-463- 0000, from 6 am to 11 pm daily
  • COVID-19 vaccination infoline: 058-377- 8892, 6 am to 11 pm

These are nationwide numbers, but it is also good to know where to call locally in case you have questions or need information related specifically to your area.

This link shows you numbers for your canton.

READ MORE: Switzerland tells cantons to use up their vaccine reserves

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