SPAIN | Emergency | Cultural information
112 – Emergency phone number
The 112 number is for emergency calls only. It is not a general information line, such as 010 or 012. However, the 112 operator will try to help you even if it is not an emergency, referring your call to another telephone line or service.
112 calls are answered quickly. However, in the event that there is a delay of some minutes, do not become impatient and keep waiting and, above all, do not hang up and call again.
This service is free of charge and accessible from any phone, landline or mobile. The call will work from mobile phones with no need for a PIN or network coverage. If you don’t get any communication from your mobile (cars, tunnels…) change your location or call from a landline. From public phones you don’t have to insert coins to call this service.
If you are reporting an emergency, remember to tell the operator the following:
- WHERE HAS THE ACCIDENT OCCURED?: Street, Square, Highway, Km number, Town
- DID IT OCCUR ON THE STREET OR AT A HOUSE
- DESCRIBE WHAT HAS HAPPENED
- KEY INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED: people injured, trapped, etc.
Chemists and hospitals
In Spain, chemists are the only establishments authorised to sell prescribed drugs. There are also over the counter drugs, mainly medication for colds and such.
The hospital network in Spain is extensive. There are public and private hospitals and, if needed, you can use either. In every hospital there is a 24-hour emergency room.
Lost property
When trying to recover lost property, you should go to the nearest police station where they will inform you about how to follow up on your property. You should not forget that these services vary from town to town.