Emergency number in the Netherlands
Most of us know the Polish emergency numbers well when we are children. We may have learnt them at school or from educational programmes. But what should we do if we go outside our country, e.g. to the Netherlands, to work, and there is an emergency? What should we do and which emergency numbers can we call? In this article we will describe how to proceed in such a situation and how to notify the relevant authorities.
How to behave in emergency situations in the Netherlands?
At any time we may witness an accident or unfortunate incident. Remember to remain calm in such a situation and not to panic those around you. However, if you are alone during such an incident and you are the only one who can react, call the emergency number as soon as possible to inform the medical services. Then administer first aid to the casualty if possible. However, if you are not sure how to proceed, then call the emergency number and a paramedic will tell you what to do step by step. In this way you can help before the ambulance or police arrive and sometimes even save a life. The first number that most often comes to mind in such a situation is the European emergency number 112, which is also available in the Netherlands for reporting accidents and life-threatening conditions. For smaller incidents, it is also helpful to know the other emergency numbers.
You must remember that when you call 112, you should follow the following instructions:
- identify the situation in question,
- give the location of the incident,
- tell them which services are needed (police, fire brigade or ambulance)
The dispatcher receiving the call will then transfer you to the services in the area concerned.
Here is a list of useful numbers:
Huisartsenpost head office/medical service out of hours, call the region’s hotline:
Amsterdam – 088 003 0600
Rotterdam – 010 466 9573 (Central, North), 010 290 9888 (South), 010 279 9262 (East)
Utrecht – 0900 450 1450
The Hague – 070 346 9669
Eindhoven, Helmond, Geldrop – 0900 8861
Other locations – 0900 1515
Police
Emergencies – 112
Non-emergencies – 0900 8844
To report a crime anonymously– 0800 7000
In the Netherlands crimes can also be reported online– Polite Web & Graphics
Fire service
Emergencies – 112
The Hague – 088-246 35 00
Amsterdam – 020-555 66 66
Utrecht – 088-878 10 00
Nijmegen or Tiel – 088-878 21 23
Venlo – 088-119 06 00
Enschede – 088-256 70 00
Breda – 076-529 66 00
Den Bosch – 088-020 81 01
For urgent matters, notify the police first!!!
Health service
For emergencies call 112 or visit your local A&E (Accident & Emergency Department)
Dental Emergencies
There is no central telephone number to call for emergency advice. Each practice in the area offers its own out-of-hours service. In Amsterdam and The Hague, an urgent appointment can be made at Dental365, tel. 085 10 50 750.
Pharmacies open 24 hours a day (Apotheek). To find an on-call pharmacy outside normal weekday hours, call 020 694 8709.
A list of facilities open 24 hours a day is also displayed in pharmacy windows and published in free local newspapers under the heading Medical Assistance (Medische Diensten).
Other emergency numbers:
0800-90 09 – to report gas leaks and power problems
0900-01 11 – Coastguard
0900-01 01 Victim Support Netherlands – support for those experiencing a criminal offence, traffic accident or calamity
Before leaving for the Netherlands, it is best to write down all the emergency numbers you need, because you never know when you will need to use them, and it is worth being prepared for any situation.
Words and phrases for emergencies in the Netherlands:
Accident – Ongeluk
Emergency – Noodgeval
Call an ambulance – Bel een ambulance
Calling the police – Bel de politie
Calling the fire brigade – Bel de brandweer
Order/call a doctor – Haal/bel een dokter
I am sick- Ik ben ziek