Emergency numbers and first response

It is for anyone thinking about moving to Spain, planning a move, or already living there. Spain has a mix of 112, regional ambulance lines, three police forces and regional language practice, and it is not intuitive. Read it before anything goes wrong, so you know which number to dial, what to say, how to be found, and where official warnings come from.

Start with "How Spain's 112 emergency number works". It explains what happens when you call and what the handler asks. Then read "Which emergency number to call for what" to choose the right line for each situation.

Flood and weather hazards, medical care after the ambulance arrives, mental health treatment and reporting crimes are covered elsewhere in the guide.

Key rules

• ES-Alert: When an ES-Alert arrives, read it and follow its instructions, and do not call 112 to ask about or confirm it.
• 112 is free: Calls to 112 are free from any phone, and a mobile can call 112 without a SIM card or credit.
• Missing person: There is no waiting period before reporting a missing person, so report it immediately.
• Serious cases: If the case is serious or you are unsure, call an ambulance rather than driving.
• Default: When you are unsure which service you need, call 112.
• Ambulance: Use 061 for medical emergencies in most regions, but use 112 in Madrid and the Basque Country.

Emergency numbers and first response: the whole process, step by step

• Learn the numbers before you need them: 112 for any emergency, plus the specific numbers in Which emergency number to call for what: Before any emergency, ideally in your first week in Spain

• Call 112 in any emergency, or when in doubt, and read How Spain's 112 emergency number works to know what the handler asks: As soon as someone is in danger

• Use 061 for medical emergencies or health advice where your region has it: Straight away for a medical problem; for serious cases such as chest pain or heavy bleeding, call rather than drive

• If Spanish is a barrier, use the channels in Getting emergency help when your Spanish isn't enough: During the call; 112 is usually answered in English, French and German too

• Say where you are, using the tips in Telling responders where you are outside a street address: Early in the call, before the handler finishes asking questions

• When a big emergency hits, follow an ES-Alert and use official channels, as explained in ES-Alert warnings and trusted sources in a big emergency: When the alert arrives, without calling 112 to confirm it

• For the sea, beach or mountains, see Who rescues you at sea, on a beach or in the mountains: Before you set out, and during any rescue

• If someone is missing, report it using A family member is missing: first steps and the 24-hour myth: Immediately; there is no waiting period

• Check offers and payment requests with Scams that catch newcomers and how to check before paying: Before you pay anything, once the emergency is over

Documents you may need

• The landlord's photo ID — Scams that catch newcomers and how to check before paying

• A nota simple — Scams that catch newcomers and how to check before paying

• A written rental contract — Scams that catch newcomers and how to check before paying

• The bank receipt for form 790 — Scams that catch newcomers and how to check before paying

Emergency numbers and first response: questions that cross several articles

Should I call an ambulance or drive someone to urgencias myself?

Yes, call 112 or 061 rather than driving when the situation is serious, such as chest pain, suspected stroke, severe breathing trouble, unconsciousness, heavy bleeding or seizures. A doctor can guide you and the ambulance treats the patient on site. For milder problems, go to a health centre yourself or call 061 for advice.

Can I call 112 if I have no SIM card or credit?

Yes, a mobile can call 112 for free without a SIM card or credit, using any available network. This applies to visitors and residents alike. Read How Spain's 112 emergency number works for what happens next.

Which number should I call when two seem to fit?

Call 112 when two numbers fit, because its operators route you to the right service. If you are sure of the service, 061, 091 or 062 also get help sent, and services transfer calls to each other. See Which emergency number to call for what.

Which police force answers each number?

091 reaches the Policía Nacional in towns and cities, 062 the Guardia Civil in rural areas and on roads, and 092 your local police where available. Some regions have their own forces, such as the Mossos d'Esquadra in Catalonia on 088. If unsure, 112 reaches all of them.

Is there a wait before I report a missing person?

No, there is no waiting period, so report it immediately at a police or Guardia Civil station or by calling 091, 062 or 112. Take a recent photo and a description. See A family member is missing: first steps and the 24-hour myth.