Emergency Numbers in Spain: 112, 061 and When to Call Each One
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, MD
Licensed Physician No. 484814280 · Official Medical College of Bizkaia (Spain)Last reviewed: 2 October 2026
The emergency number in Spain is 112. The other numbers to know, and what to say when you call.
You don't have to figure this out alone
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera is an independent, bilingual GP licensed in Spain. Book a 20-minute video consultation in English or Spanish for €50, with a private electronic prescription issued under Spanish law when clinically appropriate.
Save this before you need it. The emergency number in Spain is 112: free, available 24 hours a day from any phone, and answered in English in most regions. Here are the other numbers worth knowing, and how to decide which one to call.
Quick Answer: Emergency Numbers in Spain
| Number | What it is for |
|---|---|
| 112 | All emergencies: medical, fire, police, accidents. Use it if in doubt. |
| 061 | Medical emergencies in many regions (in others, 112 handles them). |
| 091 | National Police (Policía Nacional). |
| 092 | Local Police (Policía Local). |
| 062 | Guardia Civil, including roads and rural areas. |
| 080 / 085 | Fire service (the number varies by area; 112 always works). |
| 016 | Help line for gender-based violence. It does not appear on your phone bill. |
| 024 | Support line for people with suicidal thoughts. |
| 91 562 04 20 | National Poison Information Service (Servicio de Información Toxicológica). |
When to Call 112
Call 112 straight away for:
- Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of a stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech).
- Severe bleeding, a serious injury, or someone unconscious.
- A severe allergic reaction, seizures, or sudden confusion.
- A fire, a crime in progress, or a road accident with injuries.
What to Say When You Call
- Say "English, please" if you need it.
- Give your exact location: town, street, and number, or a landmark or beach name. Your hotel or apartment address is helpful.
- Explain what happened and how many people are hurt.
- Answer the questions and do not hang up until the operator tells you to.
Emergency or Urgent? Choosing the Right Help
Not every health problem needs 112. Many urgent but non-emergency problems, such as a urinary infection, an earache, a sore throat or a rash, can be handled by a doctor the same day. Our guide on when to go to urgencias or see an online doctor explains the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 112 free from a foreign mobile?
Yes. It is free from any mobile or landline, including foreign SIM cards, and works across the EU.
Do 112 operators speak English?
In most regions, especially tourist areas, yes. If not, they can usually connect an interpreter.
Is there a number for non-urgent medical advice?
Some regions have their own health advice lines, which vary by area. For a same-day assessment in English, you can book an online doctor.
Need a doctor who speaks English, today? Book a video consultation with an online doctor in Spain for urgent, non-emergency care. In an emergency, always call 112.
Medical Citations & Sources
This content is written and reviewed by a licensed physician with reference to the following official health authorities.
