Emergency numbers in France
Ambulance, police, fire brigade, 112 and helplines: the official numbers, all free. Tap a number to call.
Emergencies
- 112European emergency numberAny emergency, anywhere in the EU. Works from a mobile, even without credit.
- 15SAMU (medical emergencies)Medical emergency, fainting, injury. Also gives medical advice when your doctor is unavailable.
- 17PoliceViolence, assault, theft, burglary: an offence in progress.
- 18Fire brigadeFire, accident, injured person, risk of collapse or gas.
- 114Emergency by text or appFor deaf or hard-of-hearing people, or anyone unable to speak (replaces 15, 17 and 18).
- 115Social emergencyHomeless person in difficulty, emergency shelter.
- 119Children at riskViolence against a child. 24/7, free, does not show on the phone bill.
- 116 000Missing childrenDisappearance, runaway or abduction of a child.
- 191Aviation emergenciesAircraft accident or incident.
- 196Sea rescueFrom the coast (or 112). At sea: VHF radio channel 16.
- 197Terror attack alertPass on information about a terror attack or abduction.
- 3117Public transport safetySafety risk on public transport (or text 31177).
Emergency calls work even without credit, as long as a SIM card is in the phone.
Helplines (in French)
- 3114Suicide preventionFor yourself or someone close to you who is suffering.
- 3919Violence against womenAnonymous and free: 9 am–10 pm Monday to Friday, 9 am–6 pm at weekends and on public holidays.
- 0 800 05 95 95SOS viols (rape crisis line)Free, for victims of sexual assault and those close to them.
- 3018Online violenceCyber-harassment, revenge porn, online rumours. Free, 6 days a week, 9 am–8 pm.
- 3020School bullyingMonday to Friday 9 am–8 pm, Saturday 9 am–6 pm.
- 3133Abuse of vulnerable adultsElderly or disabled people: every day, 9 am–8 pm.
- 3928DiscriminationNational line to report discrimination.
- 08 842 846 3708 VictimesFor all victims of crime, whatever the harm suffered.
- 0 800 08 11 11Sexuality, contraception, abortionFree information line.
- 116 117Out-of-hours doctorEvenings, nights and weekends, when your doctor is closed.
How to call the emergency services
- Say who you are, where you are (exact address, floor, door code) and what is happening.
- Do not hang up first: the operator may need more information or guide you.
- 0 800 112 112 is the number the emergency services may call you back from: do not block it.
Frequently asked questions
Which number should I call in an emergency in France?
15 for a medical emergency, 17 for the police, 18 for the fire brigade. 112 works for any emergency, anywhere in the European Union.
Can I call emergency numbers without credit or a signal?
Yes: as long as a SIM card is in the phone, emergency calls work even with no credit or a cancelled plan. Without your operator's network, 112 uses any available network.
Are emergency numbers free?
Yes, all emergency numbers are free, from a landline or a mobile.
Do emergency services speak English?
112 operators can often handle calls in English; state clearly where you are and what is happening.