Emergency

Emergency Numbers

Primary Emergency Numbers

In Ireland, the main emergency numbers are 112 and 999. These vital services are free to call from any phone within Ireland and throughout the European Union. Both numbers connect you to emergency dispatch centers that can coordinate responses from:

  • Ambulance services
  • Gardaí (police)
  • Fire brigade
  • Coast Guard

For individuals with speech or hearing difficulties, or in situations where making a voice call is not possible, an Emergency SMS/Text Service is available by texting 112. This service requires pre-registration but provides critical access to emergency services for those who cannot use traditional voice calls.

For maritime emergencies, you can use VHF Channel 16 on your marine radio, or call 112/999 and specifically ask for the Coast Guard.

When to Call Emergency Services

Emergency numbers should only be used in genuine emergency situations where immediate assistance is required. Appropriate situations include:

For adults:

  • Chest pain or difficulty breathing
  • Severe, uncontrollable bleeding
  • Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness
  • Serious injuries from accidents or falls
  • Suspected stroke (facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulties)
  • Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
  • Suspected heart attack

For children:

  • Unconsciousness or unusual drowsiness
  • Difficulty breathing or turning blue
  • Choking incidents
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Uncontrolled bleeding
  • Certain types of seizures (especially if lasting longer than 5 minutes)
  • Serious injuries from accidents or falls
  • Suspected poisoning or ingestion of harmful substances

It’s important to use emergency services responsibly. Inappropriate calls can divert resources from those in genuine need of urgent assistance.

What to Say When Calling for an Ambulance

When connected to the National Ambulance Service through 112 or 999, you will need to provide:

  1. Your telephone number (in case the call is disconnected)
  2. Your exact location (complete address or Eircode if possible)
  3. Details of the emergency situation

Be prepared to describe:

  • The nature of the medical emergency
  • The condition of the patient(s)
  • Any visible injuries or symptoms
  • Any relevant medical history if known

Speak clearly and calmly. The operator will immediately dispatch an ambulance while continuing to gather information, so don’t worry that answering questions is delaying the response.

Staying on the Phone

After providing the initial information, it’s crucial to remain on the line with the emergency operator. The operator will:

  • Ask additional questions to better understand the situation
  • Provide first aid instructions that you can perform while waiting
  • Guide you through potentially life-saving measures if needed
  • Update you on the ambulance’s progress

Throughout the call, you should report any changes in the patient’s condition, as this information helps emergency responders prepare appropriately.

Helping the Ambulance Crew

You can assist the ambulance crew by:

  1. Staying calm and following the operator’s instructions
  2. Remaining with the patient until help arrives
  3. If outside, staying visible and possibly sending someone to direct the ambulance
  4. Calling back if the situation or your location changes
  5. Ensuring access is clear (unlocking doors, moving obstacles)
  6. Keeping pets secured away from the area
  7. If possible, gathering information about the patient’s:
    • GP details
    • Current medications
    • Known allergies
    • Medical history

These preparations can significantly help the ambulance crew provide appropriate care upon arrival.

Alternatives for Non-Emergencies

Visiting a Doctor or Injury Unit

For non-life-threatening situations that still require medical attention, several alternatives to emergency services are available:

GP (General Practitioner):

  • Contact your primary care physician during office hours
  • For after-hours care, use GP out-of-hours services which operate evenings, weekends, and public holidays
  • Many GPs can treat minor injuries and illnesses that don’t require hospital facilities

Injury Units:

  • Specialized centers for treating minor injuries
  • Typically open longer hours than regular GP practices
  • Can handle fractures, sprains, minor burns, and wounds
  • Usually have shorter waiting times than Emergency Departments
  • The HSE website offers a service finder to locate your nearest Injury Unit

Going to the Emergency Department

Emergency Departments (EDs) should be used for serious, but not immediately life-threatening conditions when:

  • Your GP is unavailable and the condition cannot wait
  • You need treatment that cannot be provided by a GP or Injury Unit
  • You have been directed to attend by a healthcare professional

If you decide to go to an Emergency Department:

  • Consider using your own transport if it’s safe to do so
  • Bring identification and any relevant medical information
  • Be prepared for potential waiting times based on the severity of your condition compared to others

The HSE’s online service finder can help you locate the nearest Emergency Department, along with information about operating hours and age categories served.

Self-Care and Pharmacy Advice

Many minor health concerns can be addressed through:

Self-care at home:

  • Rest and hydration for minor illnesses
  • Over-the-counter pain relief for headaches, minor pain
  • Basic first aid for minor cuts, scrapes, and burns

Pharmacy consultation:

  • Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals
  • They can provide advice on minor health issues
  • Recommend over-the-counter treatments
  • Direct you to other healthcare services if needed

Pharmacies often have extended opening hours, making them accessible for advice when GP surgeries are closed.

116 Helplines

Ireland has implemented the European harmonized numbers for services of social value, known as “116 numbers.” These services provide specialized support for specific needs.

Missing Children Hotline (116 000)

The Missing Children Hotline (116 000) is operated by the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC). This service:

  • Takes calls regarding missing children
  • Provides support to families during a missing episode
  • Helps coordinate with authorities
  • Offers guidance and emotional support
  • Is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Is free to call from any phone

Childline (116 111)

Childline (116 111) is also operated by the ISPCC and provides:

  • Free, confidential support service for children and young people up to the age of 18
  • A safe space to talk about any concerns
  • Support through phone calls, texts (text to 50101), and online chat
  • Access to trained volunteers who listen without judgment
  • Information about other services when needed
  • 24/7 availability

Crime Victims Helpline (116 006)

The Crime Victims Helpline (116 006) offers:

  • Support for victims of all crimes
  • Emotional support and practical information
  • Guidance on reporting crimes
  • Information about the criminal justice system
  • Referrals to specialized support services
  • Confidential and non-judgmental listening

Samaritans (116 123)

The Samaritans emotional support helpline (116 123) provides:

  • 24/7 confidential emotional support for anyone in distress
  • Non-judgmental listening for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair
  • Support for those having suicidal thoughts
  • A safe space to talk about feelings and concerns
  • Alternative contact through email at jo@samaritans.ie

Urgent Mental Health Support

When to Seek Urgent Help

You should seek urgent mental health support if you or someone you know is:

  • Expressing suicidal thoughts or intentions
  • Engaging in self-harm behaviors
  • Experiencing severe psychological distress
  • Having a mental health crisis where there is a risk to yourself or others
  • Experiencing severe symptoms of mental illness (e.g., psychosis, severe depression)
  • Unable to cope with daily functioning due to mental health symptoms

Early intervention during a mental health crisis can prevent escalation and potentially save lives.

Available Crisis Helplines

Several specialized crisis helplines provide immediate support:

Samaritans (116 123):

  • Available 24/7 for emotional support
  • Free to call from any phone
  • Email support via jo@samaritans.ie

Pieta:

  • Phone: 1800 247 247
  • Text: HELP to 51444
  • Specialized in suicide and self-harm prevention
  • Provides free counseling services

Text About It:

  • Text: HELLO to 50808
  • Free, anonymous text support for mental or emotional crises
  • Connected to trained volunteers who provide immediate support

Childline (for those under 18):

  • Phone: 1800 66 66 66
  • Text: 50101
  • Live chat available through their website

These services provide immediate support while you arrange longer-term help if needed.

Hospital Emergency Departments

In severe mental health crises, especially when there is immediate danger to oneself or others, Emergency Departments (EDs) provide crucial support:

  • Available 24/7
  • Can assess mental health emergencies
  • Provide access to psychiatric services
  • May admit patients for inpatient care if necessary
  • Can arrange follow-up care with community mental health teams

If you are already being supported by HSE Mental Health Services, contact your mental health team or key worker directly during a crisis, as they may have specific protocols for urgent situations.

Other Mental Health Support Organisations

Support for Specific Groups and Conditions

Beyond the general crisis services, Ireland has numerous specialized mental health support organizations:

Depression and Mood Disorders:

  • Aware: Support for depression and bipolar disorder (1800 80 48 48)

Eating Disorders:

  • Bodywhys: The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland (1890 200 444)

Persistent Mental Illness:

  • Shine: Supporting people affected by mental ill health (1890 621 631)

LGBTI+ Youth:

  • BeLonG To: Support for LGBTI+ young people (01 670 6223)

Addiction Issues:

  • Alcoholics Anonymous (01 842 0700)
  • Narcotics Anonymous (01 672 8000)

Bereavement Support:

  • Irish Hospice Foundation Bereavement Support Line (1800 80 70 77)

These organizations provide specialized knowledge and support tailored to specific mental health conditions or demographic groups, offering a more targeted approach than general crisis services.

Emergency Services News and Events

Conferences and Updates

Ireland’s emergency services regularly participate in and host conferences and events aimed at improving response capabilities and sharing best practices:

  • Annual Emergency Services conferences bringing together professionals from different branches
  • Regular updates on new equipment, technologies, and protocols
  • Professional development opportunities for emergency service personnel
  • Cross-agency collaboration initiatives and training exercises
  • International exchanges and learning opportunities

These events help ensure that Ireland’s emergency services remain up-to-date with the latest developments in emergency response and care.

National Exercises and Initiatives

To maintain readiness for major emergencies, Irish emergency services conduct:

  • Large-scale training exercises simulating major incidents (e.g., bushfires, flooding)
  • Multi-agency response drills to practice coordination
  • Severe weather preparation and response planning
  • Public awareness campaigns about emergency preparedness
  • Community resilience initiatives

Recent developments have included programs addressing:

  • Mental health support initiatives for emergency service personnel
  • Enhanced protections for emergency workers following reported attacks
  • Improved integration of services across different agencies
  • Modernization of equipment and communication systems

These exercises and initiatives contribute to Ireland’s overall emergency preparedness and the ongoing improvement of emergency response capabilities throughout the country.