Guides and definitions
Emergency numbers in France
In short
In France, 15 reaches the SAMU for a medical emergency, 17 the police or gendarmerie, 18 the fire brigade. 112 works throughout the European Union, and 114 lets deaf and hard-of-hearing people alert the emergency services by text message.
These are probably the most rewarding questions in the syllabus: a few numbers to remember, no subtlety, and a usefulness that goes well beyond the exam. They are worth learning once and for all.
The three main numbers
15 reaches the SAMU, for any medical emergency: a collapse, breathing difficulty, an accident with an injured person. 17 reaches the police or the gendarmerie, for an assault, a theft, an immediate danger caused by a person. 18 reaches the fire brigade, for a fire, an explosion, an accident or a risk affecting property or people. In practice the control centres talk to each other: if you call the wrong number, your call will be transferred, which is always better than not calling at all.
112 and 114
112 is the single European emergency number: it works from any country in the Union, including with no credit and sometimes with no SIM card. It is the number to remember if you are travelling or if you are unsure which service to reach. 114 is for deaf and hard-of-hearing people, who can alert the emergency services by text message, video call or chat rather than by voice. These two numbers complete the previous three without replacing them.
Other useful numbers
A few specialised lines are also worth knowing. 115 is the number of the Samu social, for someone who is homeless or in severe distress. 119 takes reports of children at risk. 3919 supports women who are victims of violence, and those around them. These numbers are free, mostly available around the clock, and anonymous. They extend the same logic as the three emergency numbers: one identified contact for each situation.
What to say on the phone
A useful call comes down to a few pieces of information given calmly. First say where you are, as precisely as possible: commune, street, number, floor, visible landmarks. Then say what is happening and for how long, then how many people are involved and how they appear. Finally give a number where you can be called back. The operator asks questions in a set order: answer them without jumping ahead, they are there to decide which help to send. Above all, do not hang up first: it is the operator who ends the call once all the information has been gathered. If your French is limited, say so straight away and give the address first.
Worth remembering
- 15: SAMU · 17: police and gendarmerie · 18: fire brigade.
- 112: European emergency number · 114: by text message for deaf people.
- 115: emergency accommodation · 119: children at risk · 3919: violence against women.
Frequently asked questions
What if I call the wrong number?
Nothing serious: the call centres transfer emergencies between themselves. It is better to call the wrong number than not to call at all.
Do these calls cost anything?
No. Emergency numbers are free, including from a phone with no credit, and 112 works throughout the European Union.
Put it into practice
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