Portugal Emergency Services: Your Essential Guide & Contacts

Discover all essential emergency and support services in Portugal. Learn when to call the 112 emergency number for police, fire, and medical help, and understand what to expect. This guide covers the Integrated Medical Emergency System (SIEM), Health Line 24, and the National Social Emergency Line (144) for various social vulnerabilities. Find crucial contacts for poison control, child protection, crime victim support, domestic violence, drug abuse, mental health, and more. Also, get information on police services, fire brigades, embassy assistance, and additional safety resources for residents and visitors.

Primary Emergency Number – 112

What is 112?

112 is the single European emergency telephone number available throughout the European Union and in Portugal. This number serves as the primary contact point for all emergency situations requiring immediate assistance from medical services, fire brigade, police, or other emergency responders. Call 112 immediately for medical emergencies requiring urgent care, fire emergencies, police assistance in urgent situations, or any other life-threatening emergency situation.

What to Expect When Calling 112

When you call 112, your call connects to the national emergency centre operated by the PSP (Polícia Segurança Pública). For health-related emergencies, calls are automatically transferred to the Center’s Guidance Emergency Patients (CODU) unit under INEM (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica). Emergency responses are handled by the unit closest to your location, regardless of which entity it belongs to.

Language and Communication Tips

While English is understood on the 112 line, it’s crucial to speak clearly and remain calm, provide your name and exact location, clearly describe the nature of the emergency, and follow the emergency operator’s advice throughout the call.

Avoiding Non-Emergency Calls

Use 112 only for genuine emergencies. Non-emergency calls can delay response times for those requiring urgent assistance and may prevent life-saving interventions from reaching people in critical need.

Emergency Response Capabilities in Portugal

Portugal is well-equipped to handle various emergencies, with some of the best-trained and equipped response services in Europe. The country has maintained this high standard since establishing its integrated emergency systems and continues to invest in modern equipment and training for emergency responders.

Response Times and Geographic Coverage

Portugal’s emergency services maintain impressive response times, with urban areas typically receiving assistance within 8-12 minutes of a 112 call. Rural and mountainous regions may experience longer response times, but the country’s strategic positioning of emergency resources ensures comprehensive coverage across all territories, including the autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores.

Specialized Emergency Units

Beyond standard emergency services, Portugal maintains specialized response units including mountain rescue teams, water rescue specialists, hazardous materials (HAZMAT) response units, and urban search and rescue teams. These specialized units are strategically positioned throughout the country and can be rapidly deployed during complex emergencies requiring specific expertise and equipment.

Emergency Medical Helicopters

Portugal operates an advanced helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) with strategically positioned bases across the country. These air ambulances provide rapid medical transport and can reach remote locations or transport critically injured patients to specialized medical facilities. The service operates 24/7 and integrates seamlessly with ground-based emergency medical services.

Integrated Medical Emergency System (SIEM)

Overview of SIEM

Since 1981, Portugal has operated an Integrated Medical Emergency System (SIEM) designed to provide coordinated assistance to victims of accidents or sudden illnesses. This comprehensive system ensures that emergency medical care is delivered efficiently and effectively across the country.

Key Agencies Involved

SIEM includes cooperation between PSP (Polícia Segurança Pública), GNR (Guarda Nacional Republicana), INEM (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica), fire departments, Portuguese Red Cross, hospitals, and health centres. This multi-agency approach ensures comprehensive coverage and resource sharing during emergency situations.

INEM’s Role in Emergency Coordination

INEM, as an agency of the Ministry of Health, coordinates emergency medical operations throughout mainland Portugal, ensuring efficient deployment of resources and personnel. The organization maintains high standards of training and equipment to provide optimal emergency medical care.

Medical Emergency Vehicle Classifications

Portugal’s emergency medical services utilize various vehicle types based on emergency severity and location. Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances handle non-critical transport and basic medical interventions. Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances carry advanced medical equipment and highly trained paramedics for critical cases. Immediate Emergency Response Vehicles (VMER) are rapid response units that can reach emergency scenes quickly to provide immediate advanced medical care before ambulance arrival.

Health Support Services

Health Line 24 (Saúde 24)

The Health Line 24 can be reached at 808 24 24 24 and provides round-the-clock health support services. This comprehensive service offers health consultation and advice, prioritization of medical concerns, and referral services for illness, with calls costing the equivalent of a landline call.

Administrative and Online Support

The Health Line 24 offers administrative support from 8 AM to 10 PM daily and maintains an online chat facility available 24 hours per day. This service provides comprehensive health guidance and information to help citizens make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

Multilingual Support and Tourist Services

For international visitors and expatriates, many health services provide multilingual support during peak tourist seasons. Tourist-specific medical assistance programs operate in major tourist destinations, offering specialized support for visitors unfamiliar with the Portuguese healthcare system. These services can help navigate insurance requirements, locate English-speaking medical professionals, and provide cultural interpretation during medical consultations.

Portugal Emergency Services: Social Emergency Line

National Social Emergency Line (LNES) – 144

The National Social Emergency Line operates at 144 and provides a free, 24/7 public telephone service. This essential service offers immediate response to urgent social protection situations and ensures accessibility to social referral and follow-up services for those in need.

Who Can Use This Line?

All citizens within Portuguese territory who find themselves in situations of vulnerability and need social support can access this service. This includes tourists and temporary residents who may find themselves in emergency social situations while in Portugal.

Types of Social Emergencies Covered

This line addresses situations involving domestic violence victims, children and young people in danger, people lacking autonomy or independence, and homeless individuals. The service also handles situations where minimum survival conditions are not met and circumstances creating real, current, or imminent danger to physical and psychological integrity.

Social Worker Response Teams

The social emergency system includes mobile social worker response teams that can be dispatched to provide immediate on-site assistance. These teams are trained to handle crisis intervention, provide immediate practical support, and coordinate with other emergency services when situations require multi-agency responses. They maintain close relationships with temporary housing facilities, food banks, and other social support organizations.

Other Important Helplines and Contacts

Poisons and Toxic Exposure

For urgent poison advice, contact 808 250 142, while the Poison Line (INEM CIAV) at 808 250 143 operates 24 hours daily. These services provide comprehensive information on diagnosis, toxicity, treatment, and prognosis of toxic substance exposure, offering critical support during poisoning emergencies.

Children & Youth

The Child Helpline operates at 800 206 656 from Monday to Friday, 09:30 to 17:30, and receives complaints about children and youth at risk or in danger. For round-the-clock support, the SOS Child Line at 116 111 provides free 24-hour daily service, offering support for children to discuss their problems while promoting children’s rights and addressing crimes against children.

The SOS Missing Child service at 116 000 operates 24 hours daily free of charge, specifically handling missing children cases and linking with investigation and judicial bodies. For child abuse situations, the Child Abuse Hotline (SOS Criança) at 800 202 651 provides dedicated support and intervention services.

Crime Victims & Domestic Violence

The APAV Support Line at 707 200 077 operates Monday through Friday from 10:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:30, representing the Portuguese Victim Support Association. This service provides comprehensive support for crime victims and offers free legal advice and support to help individuals navigate the aftermath of criminal incidents.

For domestic abuse situations, several resources are available including the 24/7 Domestic Abuse Hotline SOS Mulher at 800 202 148, which operates anonymously and free of charge. The Commission for Equality & Women’s Rights can be reached at 800 202 148 or 239 832 073, while the National Social Emergency Line at 144 also handles domestic violence situations.

Domestic abuse in Portugal includes any behavior inflicting physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, financial, or verbal suffering, as well as social isolation. It’s classified as a public crime and can be reported without the victim’s consent. For emergency domestic violence assistance requiring immediate intervention, call 112.

Drug Abuse and Addiction Support

Linha VIDA – SOS Droga operates at 1414 from Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 20:00, providing information, counseling, support, and referral services for those struggling with substance abuse. Narcotics Anonymous can be reached at 800 202 013, representing an association of recovering addicts with regular meetings and peer support programs.

Famílias Anónimas offers support through 916 718 947 or 962 688 811 for people affected by psychoactive substances or related behaviors, providing crucial assistance to family members and loved ones of those struggling with addiction.

Health, Mental Health & Depression Support

Cancer support services include the Cancer Help Line at 213 619 542, which provides medical, psychological, and social advice, while Contra O Cancro at 808 255 255 offers information and support specifically for cancer patients and their families.

The HIV/AIDS Hotline operates at 800 20 10 40 from 17:30 to 21:30, providing telephone counseling by trained technicians who specialize in HIV/AIDS support and information.

Mental health and loneliness support includes Associação Conversa Amiga at 808 237 327, which supports people experiencing loneliness and social exclusion. SOS Voz Amiga provides crisis support through 21 354 45 45, 91 280 26 69, or 96 352 46 60 from 16:00 to 24:00, specifically addressing loneliness, anxiety, depression, and high-risk situations.

Telefone da Amizade at 228 323 535 operates daily from 16:00 to 23:00, offering support for desperate or lonely individuals, while Linha do Cidadão com Deficiência at 800 208 462 operates from 09:30 to 17:30, providing help specifically for citizens with disabilities.

Student support services are available through 808 200 204 or 969 554 545, operating Monday to Friday from 20:00 to 01:00. These services provide emotional support for students dealing with suicide, stress, loneliness, and sexuality issues.

Pregnancy & Sexual Health Support

Sexual and reproductive health support includes Saude Sexual e Reprodutiva for sexuality issues at 808 222 003 and unwanted pregnancy support at 707 200 249. The Health Portal Pregnancy Hotline can be reached at 213 862 020 or 808 20 11 39. These services comprehensively address sex education, pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, homosexuality, pregnancy termination, and family planning.

Senior Citizens Support

Senior citizens can access dedicated support at 800 20 35 31 from 09:30 to 17:30. This online senior citizens support service provides information about rights and benefits in health, social security, and housing, helping elderly residents navigate available services and entitlements.

Animal Welfare and Emergencies

Animal welfare services include Associação Animal at 962 358 183 and Sociedade Protetora dos Animais at 213 423 851. For injured animals, Linha Verde SOS Ambiente operates at 808 200 520, while the Protection Service of Nature and Environment (GNR) can be reached at 217 503 080 for more serious animal protection issues.

Maritime Emergencies

Maritime emergencies are handled by the Maritime Police at 210 911 100, which manages coastal patrol and sea emergencies. Sea Rescue services can be accessed through 112 or 214 401 919, representing the Maritime Search and Rescue Service that coordinates water-based emergency responses.

Alcohol Dependency Support

Alcohol dependency support includes Alcoholics Anonymous at 217 162 969 and the Anti-Alcoholic Portuguese Society at 213 571 483. These organizations provide peer support, counseling, and recovery programs for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction.

Police and Security Services

Calling the Police in Emergencies

For police emergencies, always call 112. This ensures immediate connection to the appropriate emergency response system and guarantees the fastest possible response time for urgent situations requiring police intervention.

Types of Police in Portugal

Portugal operates three main police organizations with distinct responsibilities. The Polícia Judiciária (Judicial Police) handles high-level criminal investigations and serious crimes. The GNR (Guarda Nacional Republicana) serves as the National Gendarmerie, typically covering rural areas and specialized operations. The PSP (Polícia Segurança Pública) functions as the Public Security Police, primarily serving urban areas and handling general policing duties.

Non-Emergency Contact Methods

For non-emergency contacts with GNR and PSP, citizens should check their respective websites for local contact information and office hours. This allows for routine inquiries, administrative matters, and non-urgent police business to be handled through appropriate channels without overwhelming emergency services.

Tourist Police Units

Major tourist destinations in Portugal maintain specialized tourist police units with multilingual officers trained to assist international visitors. These units handle tourist-specific crimes, provide guidance on local laws and customs, and serve as liaisons between tourists and the regular police force. They’re particularly active in Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, and other high-tourism areas.

Community Policing Programs

Portugal maintains active community policing programs that focus on crime prevention, community engagement, and building positive relationships between law enforcement and residents. These programs include neighborhood watch initiatives, school safety programs, and regular community meetings where citizens can discuss local security concerns with police representatives.

Fire Brigade Services

How to Reach the Fire Brigade

In case of fire emergencies, call 112. This will connect you to the appropriate fire response services in your area and ensure rapid deployment of firefighting resources. The integrated emergency system ensures that fire services are coordinated with other emergency responders when necessary.

Volunteer Fire Brigades

Portugal’s fire service system heavily relies on volunteer fire brigades (bombeiros voluntários) that serve local communities throughout the country. These dedicated volunteers undergo rigorous training and maintain professional standards while serving their communities. They respond to fires, medical emergencies, rescue operations, and other emergency situations, often serving as the first responders in their areas.

Forest Fire Prevention and Response

Given Portugal’s significant forest fire risk, especially during summer months, the country maintains specialized forest fire prevention and response capabilities. This includes aerial firefighting aircraft, specialized ground crews, and an extensive network of fire detection systems. Citizens can report forest fires through 112 or the specific forest fire hotline, and during high-risk periods, additional resources are pre-positioned in vulnerable areas.

Emergency Preparedness for Residents

Creating a Personal Emergency Plan

Residents should develop comprehensive emergency plans that include emergency contact lists, meeting points for family members, emergency supply kits, and copies of important documents. Plans should account for different types of emergencies and include specific considerations for children, elderly family members, and pets.

Emergency Supply Recommendations

Emergency supply kits should include water (1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days), non-perishable food for at least 3 days, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight and extra batteries, first aid kit, whistle for signaling help, dust masks and plastic sheeting, moist towelettes and garbage bags for sanitation, manual can opener, local maps, and cell phone chargers (preferably solar or battery-powered).

Neighborhood Emergency Networks

Many Portuguese communities maintain informal neighborhood emergency networks where residents look out for each other, especially during severe weather events or other emergencies. These networks can provide immediate assistance before professional emergency services arrive and help coordinate community resources during extended emergencies.

Embassies and Consular Assistance in Emergencies

Contacting Embassies After Hours

During major disasters or incidents affecting multiple people, you may need to contact your embassy or consular team outside office hours. Even when embassies are closed, emergency contact numbers are typically available for citizens requiring urgent consular assistance during crises.

Where to Find Embassy Emergency Numbers

Most embassies provide emergency contact numbers on their websites and in registration materials for their citizens. These numbers should be kept readily accessible, especially during travel or extended stays, and should be shared with family members who might need to contact embassies on your behalf during emergencies.

Consular Services During Emergencies

Embassies and consulates can provide various emergency services including replacement of lost or stolen passports, assistance with legal problems, help contacting family members, coordination with local authorities, and in extreme cases, emergency evacuation assistance. However, consular services cannot provide financial assistance, legal representation, or guarantee preferential treatment from local authorities.

Additional Safety Resources

Emergency Information Poster by Safe Communities Portugal

Safe Communities Portugal has created a downloadable emergency information and contact poster designed for home use. This comprehensive resource should be placed in a conspicuous location in your home to help with emergency response and ensure that critical contact numbers are immediately available when needed.

Information for Visitors, Guests, and Property Renters

Property owners and hosts should ensure that family members, friends staying as guests, or property renters are fully aware of emergency procedures and contact numbers. This includes providing key emergency numbers, basic emergency response information, and ensuring that temporary residents understand how to access emergency services in Portugal.

Useful Safety Topics Covered in Resources

Additional safety resources available in Portugal comprehensively address crime reporting procedures, community and personal safety measures, property protection strategies, child safety measures, cybercrime prevention, civil protection information, weather safety protocols, rural fire prevention, and animal protection guidelines.

Mobile Emergency Apps

Several mobile applications provide emergency information and services in Portugal. The official Civil Protection app provides weather alerts, emergency notifications, and contact information. The SNS app offers health service information and can help locate nearby medical facilities. Many municipalities also maintain local emergency information apps that provide community-specific alerts and resources.

Weather-Related Emergency Preparedness

Portugal experiences various weather-related emergencies including severe storms, flooding, extreme heat, and occasional severe winter weather in mountainous regions. Residents should stay informed about weather conditions through official channels, prepare homes for seasonal weather challenges, and understand evacuation procedures for flood-prone areas.

Important Note

While 112 operators understand English, not all specialized helplines listed may have English-speaking staff available. When calling specialized support lines, callers should be prepared that Portuguese may be the primary language of service, though many services make efforts to accommodate non-Portuguese speakers when possible.

Emergency Reminder

Keep this information easily accessible and ensure all household members and guests know how to access emergency services. In any life-threatening situation, call 112 immediately without hesitation, as rapid response can be critical for saving lives and preventing further harm. Consider laminating emergency contact information and keeping copies in multiple locations including your home, car, and workplace.