112: Europe's Emergency Number & Silent Options
112 is the free emergency number you can call anywhere in the European Union, from any phone, to reach police, ambulance or fire. It works even with no credit and, in many countries, no SIM card. If you can't speak, several EU countries offer SMS or app-based ways to reach 112.
What 112 is
112 is the single European emergency number. Dial it in any EU country and you'll be connected to local emergency services, often with operators who can help in more than one language. It works alongside national numbers — you don't have to remember each country's own numbers when you travel.
Your country's numbers
112 reaches emergency services across the EU, and most countries keep their national numbers too:
- Poland: 112 (997 police, 998 fire, 999 ambulance)
- Germany: 112 (110 police)
- France: 112 (17 police, 15 medical/SAMU, 18 fire)
- Spain: 112 (091 national police)
If you can't speak
Unlike the UK's "press 55" system, silent access to 112 varies by country. Several offer dedicated options for people who can't make a voice call:
- France — 114: a national number to reach emergency services by SMS or real-time text when you can't speak.
- Germany — nora: the official emergency app that lets you send a silent, structured emergency request with your location.
- Poland — Alarm112: an official app for contacting 112 without speaking.
- Spain — AlertCops / My112: apps that let you send an alert and location to the authorities.
Set up whichever applies where you live before you need it — registration is sometimes required in advance.
Where SilentCall fits
112 connects you to the authorities. SilentCall connects you to the people you trust, on any phone, with no app to install. One silent call records the situation and alerts up to three chosen contacts unless you cancel. Use 112 for immediate danger; use SilentCall for the in-between moments and to keep someone who knows you informed.
People also ask
What is 112? The free, EU-wide emergency number. Call it in any EU country from any phone to reach police, ambulance or fire.
Can I contact 112 without speaking? In some countries, yes — for example France's 114 SMS line, Germany's nora app, Poland's Alarm112, and Spain's AlertCops. Options vary by country, so check yours in advance.
Does 112 work everywhere in Europe? Yes, across all EU countries, and in many other countries worldwide as a secondary emergency number.
Learn more
- How to call for help when you can't speak → /en/call-for-help-when-you-cant-speak/
- Silent 999 calls & 'press 55' (UK) → /en/answers/silent-999-press-55/
- How to text 911 (US) → /en/answers/how-to-text-911/
SilentCall is a personal-safety service, not a replacement for emergency services. In a life-threatening emergency, always contact 112 or your local emergency number if you can safely do so.
Source: European Commission — 112, the European emergency number.