European Emergency Number 112

112 is your first line of call. Free and accessible 24/7 from anywhere, this line directs you to the police, ambulance, or fire department. In Lisbon, Porto, or in rural areas, operators speak English and Portuguese (often French in larger cities).

• Medical crisis (stroke, serious illness)
• Fire or explosion
• Major road accident
• Crime in progress or imminent danger

How does it work?
Stay calm. Indicate your exact location (address, GPS, or Google Maps if you don't know it), the type of emergency, the number of people involved, and the immediate need. The operator will manage the emergency response and will remain on the line if necessary.

Medical Emergency, Ambulance & Health Hotlines

• Health Line 24 (Saúde24): 808 24 24 24
• Red Cross Portugal: 21 321 10 57

Fast healthcare referrals, nurses are attentive, even in English. Perfect for fever, allergies, asthma attacks, or concerns about an injury.

Spicy Tip : Keep your Social Security card or private insurance with you, and a translated form describing your allergies/treatments.

Fire Brigade & Civil Protection

• Bombeiros (firefighters): Main number according to the municipality
• National info (disaster): 800 246 246

Seasonal Risks: Forest fires are affecting the Algarve, Central and Northern regions. Report any smoke screens or suspicious fires promptly.

Police & Public Security

• GNR(countryside and roads): 808 200 520
• PSP (cities and public safety): 217 654 242
• Polícia Judiciária (surveys): 21 765 8200

Crime or social emergency? Always start with 112, which redirects depending on the case or language.

Roadside, Home & Animal Emergencies

• ACP (Automóvel Club de Portugal): 707 509 510
• Gas leak: 800 201 722
• Power outage: 800 506 506
• CIAV Poison Control: 808 250 143

Emergency Veterinary Hospital: Search “veterinário emergência” + city

• Spicy Tip : Save some Portuguese sentences on your phone:
• Socorro! = Help!
• É uma emergência! = It’s an emergency!
• Preciso de um médecin = I need a doctor
• Chame a polícia, por favor = Please call the police

Expat Hotlines & Consular Support

• France: +351 213 939 100
• UK: +351 213 924 000
• USA: +351 217 702 122
• Missing children:116 000
• Victims (APAV): 116 006

Spicy Tip : Consuls can resolve situations: lost passport, serious accident, expat rights – don't wait until the last minute!

Spicy Tips: Survival Tactics

Prepare a list on your smartphone and print it in your wallet: the expat reflex that saves.

Hot Revelation: Portugal’s Hidden Emergency Reality

Did you know ? 78% of expats do not save critical local numbers (Bombeiros, Santé 24, ACP) and waste precious time in the event of an emergency outside of 112!