Emergency Numbers in Austria: Which Number to Call

In an emergency, there is no time to search for the right number. Austria uses separate emergency numbers for different services, but the common European emergency number 112 also works throughout the country. The information below contains the 2026 data.

Austria’s most important emergency numbers

Each major emergency service in Austria has its own short number. If you are unsure which service you need, 112 is always a suitable choice.

• 112 – European single emergency number (Euro-Notruf)
• 122 – Fire brigade (Feuerwehr)
• 128 – Gas leak or gas fault (Gasgebrechen)
• 133 – Police (Polizei)
• 140 – Mountain rescue (Bergrettung)
• 141 – Medical on-call service (Ärztenotdienst)
• 142 – Telephone counselling service (Telefonseelsorge)
• 144 – Ambulance service (Rettungsdienst)
• 147 – Child and youth helpline
• 01 406 43 43 – Poison information centre (Vergiftungszentrale)

Are emergency calls free?

Emergency numbers can be called free of charge throughout Austria from any telephone. The 112 also works free of charge in all European Union member states.

The 112 can also be called from a locked mobile phone without entering the PIN code.

Health services for non-life-threatening situations

Not every health problem requires an ambulance. If you need medical advice, the following options may be appropriate:

• 1450 – nationwide health advice line (Gesundheitshotline) for the whole of Austria.
• 141 – medical on-call service (Ärztenotdienst).
• 116 117 – on-call medical assistance in non-life-threatening situations.
• 1484-(x) – patient transport (Krankentransporte), using the additional number specific to the provider and only in certain regions.

You can find an on-call pharmacy through a pharmacy search website. Doctors, hospitals and rehabilitation centres are listed on the health portal gesundheit.gv.at.

Emergency access for deaf and hard-of-hearing people

DEC112 is an accessible emergency call application. It allows users to contact an emergency call centre through text chat. The application automatically sends the user’s location and, if requested, health information, which can speed up assistance.

The police can also still be reached by fax or SMS at 0800 133 133.

Silent emergency call

If you are in immediate danger, for example in a domestic violence situation, and cannot speak or write, the DEC112 application can be used to send a silent emergency call (Stiller Notruf) to the police. You must save your exact address in the application beforehand or enter it in the chat.

Crisis support and other helplines

Help is available for mental health and social emergencies as well as physical danger. These harmonised numbers have a social value:

• 116 000 – missing children hotline
• 116 006 – counselling for victims of crime
• 116 123 – life counselling helpline (Hotline zur Lebenshilfe)

In Upper Austria, the Krisenhilfe OÖ crisis helpline (Sorgentelefon) is available around the clock at 0732 2177 if you feel overwhelmed. Online crisis counselling is available at krisenhilfeooe.at.

Car accident or breakdown

If your vehicle breaks down, you can contact one of Austria’s two major motoring organisations:

• ÖAMTC breakdown assistance (Pannenhilfe): 120
• ARBÖ breakdown service (Pannendienst): 123

If anyone is injured, call the ambulance service at 144 or the European emergency number 112 first.

What to do until help arrives

The life-saving immediate first-aid steps (Lebensrettende Sofortmaßnahmen) are:

1. Make the emergency call.
2. Secure the danger zone.
3. Rescue injured people from danger.
4. If someone is unconscious, place them in the recovery position.
5. If breathing and circulation have stopped, perform chest compressions and provide ventilation.
6. Control bleeding.
7. Take steps to counter shock.

Frequently asked questions

Can I call 112 in Austria?

Yes. 112 is the European single emergency number and can be called free of charge in Austria and every European Union member state.

Do emergency calls cost money?

No. Emergency numbers can be called free of charge from any telephone throughout Austria.

What should I call if my phone is locked or I do not have the PIN code?

You can call 112 from a locked mobile phone without entering the PIN code.

Where can I get health advice if it is not an emergency?

Call the nationwide health advice line at 1450. For a non-life-threatening situation, you can also call the on-call medical service at 116 117.

Practical steps before an emergency

1. Save the main numbers in your phone: 112, 122, 133 and 144.
2. Install DEC112 if you are deaf or hard of hearing, and save your exact address in the application.
3. Keep your location and address details available, especially when travelling or hiking.
4. In a medical emergency, call 144 or 112; for non-urgent advice, use 1450 or 116 117.
5. After calling, secure the area and provide first aid until help arrives.