Calling The Emergency Services When In Spain

quote in seconds Spain’s system is fast, centralised, and well adapted to helping foreigners, but understanding how it works before you ever need it puts you firmly in control when things go wrong.

Many expats don’t realise that Spain’s emergency framework goes far beyond the basic fire-police-ambulance setup. There are specialist services, dedicated helplines, multi-language operators, text-only emergency lines for people with hearing impairments, and increasingly, digital options such as Spain’s AlertCops app. In this updated 2025 guide, we break down everything you should know — who to call, what numbers still exist, what’s changed in recent years, and what the law requires emergency operators to provide.

The main emergency number in Spain: 112

Spain’s primary emergency number is 112, which also serves the entire European Union. It is free to call from any phone — landline, mobile, VoIP device, or public payphone. Even if your mobile has no credit or is locked to a foreign network, the call will still connect. no prefix is ever required, even if your SIM card was issued outside Spain.

The 112 operator acts as the central hub and will determine the nature of the incident before coordinating the correct emergency department. That may mean dispatching the local police, the National Police, the Guardia Civil, medical teams, fire units, mountain rescue, maritime rescue, or civil protection teams for weather-related or environmental emergencies. One number really does cover everything.

112 also connects to Spain’s advanced geolocation system. If you call from a mobile, your location is automatically transmitted, dramatically reducing response time. This is especially important for outdoor incidents, road accidents, rural emergencies, or situations where the caller does not know the address.

Language support at 112

This is one area where Spain has quietly become one of the most foreigner-friendly emergency systems in Europe. Operators can assist in more than 50 languages, including English, German, French, Chinese, Arabic, Romanian, Russian and many others. This makes 112 the safest option for all foreigners — even if you struggle in Spanish, you will be understood.

Emergency access for people with hearing or speech impairments

Spain provides specific accessibility routes for emergencies. Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, or unable to communicate verbally can send an SMS to 679 436 200. This line is monitored 24 hours a day. If you install Spain's official AlertCops app, you can also send a silent alert or a text-based emergency notification without needing to place a phone call.

AlertCops: an essential app for expats

The AlertCops system is one of the most modern public security tools in Europe. Developed by the Ministry of the Interior, it connects you directly with the National Police and the Guardia Civil. It is available in English and is ideal if you’re uncomfortable speaking Spanish by phone. With one tap, you can report theft, harassment, assault, hate crimes, missing persons, suspicious behaviour, and more.

The app can also notify your trusted contacts of your location during an emergency, and in tourist hotspots it broadcasts real-time alerts about risks, missing children, or dangerous incidents. For expats who spend a lot of time travelling around Spain, AlertCops is genuinely worth installing.

Main emergency numbers in Spain (2025 verified)

• Ambulance (Emergencias Sanitarias) – 112

• Police (general emergencies) – 112

• Fire Brigade (Bomberos) – 112, or regionally 080 (local) and 085 (provincial services)

• National Police – 091 (for crimes, emergencies, identity theft, robberies, burglary reports)

• Local Police – 092 (traffic issues, neighbourhood disturbances, local incidents)

• Guardia Civil – 062 (rural areas, road safety, firearms, missing persons, environmental protection)

• Road information and traffic conditions – 011

• DGT general helpline and traffic incident reporting – 060

• Red Cross Emergencies – 900 100 333

• Maritime Rescue (Salvamento Marítimo) – 900 202 202 (essential for boating emergencies and coastal incidents)

Reporting crimes and non-emergency incidents

If you’ve been a victim of theft, burglary, fraud or assault but the situation is no longer urgent, you can call the National Police on 091. Some minor crimes can be reported online, although you will still need to sign the report in person at the police station. If you prefer, you can also visit a station and file a denuncia.

Local Police (092) handle a variety of everyday issues such as noise complaints, small neighbourhood disturbances, lost property, and minor traffic problems.

Emergency support for UK nationals

The British Embassy in Madrid can be reached on 917 146 300. This number is for consular emergencies involving British citizens — such as a serious accident abroad, an arrest, or a missing passport before travel. It is not part of Spain’s emergency-response service, but it can provide crucial support once your immediate safety is secured.

Understanding Spain’s suicide prevention service – 024

The national suicide hotline, launched in 2022, is available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. It is free, confidential, and staffed by trained professionals specialising in crisis intervention. Whether it’s you or someone you’re worried about, calling 024 ensures immediate emotional support and, if necessary, referral to mental-health emergency services.

Gender-based violence services – 016

The number 016 provides victims with legal information, psychological support, and guidance on reporting incidents. Calls do not appear on phone bills. Support is also available via WhatsApp at 600 000 016 or via email at 016-online@igualdad.gob.es. The service is fully accessible, offering adapted support for users with disabilities.

Mental-health emergencies

If a person is experiencing a severe panic attack, suicidal crisis, psychotic episode, or extreme emotional distress, 112 is the correct number to call. Spain’s emergency medical teams include psychiatric specialists who can intervene on-site or coordinate hospital care.

Animal welfare emergencies

Animal abuse, neglect or dangerous situations involving animals should be reported to the Guardia Civil on 062. Its SEPRONA division (Servicio de Protección de la Naturaleza) handles investigations into mistreatment, illegal breeding, wildlife trafficking, and environmental crimes. You may also file a denuncia if you have witnesses or evidence such as photos or video.

Contacting the police on social media

The Spanish National Police are highly active on Twitter (X) and have become well known for providing real-time updates, safety warnings and alerts. Their official account, @policia, responds to non-urgent enquiries and publishes vital public information. It cannot replace 112 in an emergency, but it is a useful resource for expats wanting clarification on minor issues.

What happens when you call 112? Step-by-step

When you dial 112, the operator will ask a series of quick questions. Knowing what to expect can make you more confident and help speed up the response:

• “Tell me what happened.” — Give a simple description: “There has been a car accident,” “Someone is unconscious,” “There is a fire,” etc.

• “Where are you?” — If you don’t know the address, describe nearby landmarks or roads. Geolocation will assist.

• “How many people are involved?” — Helps allocate resources.

• “Is anyone in immediate danger?” — Triggers priority coding.

• “Are you safe?” — If not, they will guide you on how to remain safe until responders arrive.

Practical tips to prepare for emergencies in Spain

• Save 112 as a favourite on your mobile.

• Install the AlertCops app before you need it.

• Keep your exact address written somewhere visible at home — useful in stressful situations.

• If living in a rural area, learn the nearest kilometre markers or GPS coordinates.

• Teach visiting family members and children the basics of contacting 112.

Why Spain’s emergency response is considered one of the best in Europe

Spain’s integrated response system benefits from decades of investment in coordination between regional emergency centres. Whether you’re in Madrid, Asturias, Catalonia, Valencia, or the Canary Islands, the process is the same and the operators follow strict national protocols. Additionally, Spain experiences a high volume of tourism, so multilingual communication has become a priority — something many other countries still lag behind on.

Final advice for residents, expats and holidaymakers

Emergencies are unpredictable, and when they happen, adrenaline and panic can make decision-making harder. Keeping the main numbers accessible, knowing your options, and understanding how Spain’s system works puts you in a far safer position. Whether you're calling for yourself or helping someone else, 112 remains the fastest and most reliable way to get help anywhere in Spain.

Expat Health Insurance in Spain

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Photo courtesy of ec-jpr on Flickr.