Emergency Services in the Netherlands: Essential Numbers and Helplines

In the Netherlands, emergency response services are reliable, efficient, and accessible. The country has a unified emergency number (112) that connects you to police, fire, and medical services, with operators who can assist in multiple languages including English.

Primary Emergency Numbers

The main emergency number in the Netherlands is 112. This number:

• Works for police, fire brigade, and ambulance services
• Is free to call from any phone (mobile or landline)
• Operates 24/7 with multilingual operators
• Should only be used for genuine emergencies where immediate assistance is needed

For non-urgent police matters, call 0900-8844. This local police line handles situations that require police attention but are not life-threatening emergencies.

Medical Emergencies and Healthcare

For urgent medical situations that aren't life-threatening, contact your GP (huisarts) first during office hours. Outside office hours:

• Huisartsenpost (GP post): Available evenings, nights, and weekends for urgent medical issues that can't wait until your regular GP reopens
• Find your local huisartsenpost through your GP's answering service or at Expats List
• Most huisartsenpost facilities have English-speaking staff

For dental emergencies outside regular hours, search for "tandarts spoeddienst" in your area.

Mental Health Crisis Support

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis:

• 113 Suicide Prevention: Call 113 or 0800-0113 (24/7 helpline)
• Korrelatie: 0900-1450 for mental health support
• For English-speaking mental health support, contact Expatax Helpline or international crisis services

Other Essential Helplines

Service	Number	Purpose
Poison Control Center	030-274 8888	24/7 advice for poisoning incidents
Domestic Violence Hotline	0800-2000	Confidential support for domestic abuse
Animal Ambulance	0900-0245	Emergency veterinary assistance
Water Board Emergency	14 0 14	Flooding or dike issues

Safety Tips for Expats

When calling emergency services in the Netherlands:

• Stay calm and speak clearly
• State your location precisely (street name, house number, city)
• Describe the nature of the emergency
• Follow the operator's instructions
• Don't hang up until told to do so

It's advisable to keep a list of these numbers saved in your phone and written down at home. If you're new to the Netherlands, familiarize yourself with local emergency procedures and consider learning basic Dutch emergency phrases.

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