Practical guide to Geneva · 08
Emergencies and useful numbers in Geneva
Police 117, fire brigade 118, ambulance 144, 112, poisoning 145, Centrale Santé, victim support: the numbers to save as soon as you arrive.
To save
Emergency numbers in Switzerland
Tap a number to call from your mobile.
Health
Urgent, but not life-threatening?
What to say?
What to say when you call the emergency services?
Where are you?
Address, municipality, floor, landmark.
What is happening?
Explain the situation simply.
How many people?
Say how many people are involved.
Stay on the line
Answer the questions and do not hang up until you are told to.
Mini-lexicon
Useful phrases in French
To know by heart for emergency situations.
- « J’ai besoin d’une ambulance. »
- “I need an ambulance.” For a medical emergency (144).
- « Il y a un incendie. »
- “There is a fire.” For the fire brigade (118).
- « Je suis au… (adresse) »
- “I am at… (address)” Always start by saying where you are.
- « La personne ne respire plus. »
- “The person is no longer breathing.” Vital information to give immediately.
- « Quelqu’un est blessé. »
- “Someone is injured.” Say how many people.
- « Je ne parle pas bien français, parlez lentement s’il vous plaît. »
- “I do not speak French well, please speak slowly.” To ask the operator to slow down.
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Be able to make yourself understood, even in an emergency
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Test my level for freeFrequently asked questions
Emergencies in Geneva: your questions
Which number do I call for an ambulance?
144, for any medical emergency.
Which number do I call for the police?
117.
Which number do I call for the fire brigade?
118.
Does 112 work in Switzerland?
Yes, the European emergency number 112 works in Switzerland.
Which number do I call in case of poisoning?
145 (Tox Info Suisse).
What should I do for an urgent but non-life-threatening health problem?
In Geneva, call Centrale Santé Genève on 0800 116 117 when your doctor is not available.
What is 142?
The national, free and confidential helpline for victims of violence, reachable throughout Switzerland since 1 May 2026.
Which number is for air rescue?
1414 (Rega).
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Last updated: October 2026 · Guide written by the Alliance Française de Genève
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