What do do in case of accidents or emergencies in Singapore
You do your best to take care of yourself, but unfortunately, accidents and emergencies can still happen at any time during your stay in Singapore. Whether it's a minor incident or a serious injury, it can be anxiety-inducing, regardless of the situation. You'll already be frazzled enough, so you want to be prepared on what to do so you can create a safe situation as soon as possible.
Important numbers to know in Singapore
If you have an emergency in Singapore (including fires), then you'll need to dial 995. Do note that authorities have asked for you to only dial this number if you're in a life-threatening situation. During the pandemic, many people misused this number and dialed it when they were infected with the coronavirus.
For a police emergency in Singapore (such as a robbery), dial 999. If you're using an international phone that has roaming, then dialing 112 or 911 also works, as it'll reroute you to the 999 hotline.
Here are other important numbers:
- non-emergency ambulance: 1777;
- fire hazard reporting: 1800 280 0000;
- police hotline: 1800 255 0000;
- SP Powergrid (for reporting power failures): 1800 778 8888;
- city gas (for reporting gas pipe leaks): 1800 752 1800;
- drugs and poison (non-emergency): 6423 9119.
There are also hospitals that have 24-hour accident and emergency services. You'll find a mix of both private and public hospitals here. Here are the hospitals and their phone numbers:
- Alexandra Hospital: 6379 3162 (A&E), 6379 3840 (admission inquiries);
- Changi General Hospital: 6788 8833;
- Parkway East Hospital: 6340 8666 (A&E), 6340 8688 (24-hour information);
- Gleneagles Hospital: 6470 5688;
- Institute Of Mental Health Woodbridge Hospital: 6389 2222;
- KK Women's And Children's Hospital: 6293 4044 (24-hour general line), 6394 1199 (women's 24-hour clinic), 6394 1177 (Children's A&E);
- Mount Alvernia Hospital: 6347 6210;
- Mount Elizabeth Hospital: 6731 2218 6731 2219 (A&E), 6473 2222 (ambulance service);
- National University Hospital: 6779 5555 (24-hour general line), 6772 5000;
- Raffles Hospital: 6311 1111 (24-hour general line), 6311 1555 (A&E);
- Singapore General Hospital: 6321 4103 6321 4311 (A&E);
- Tan Tock Seng Hospital: 6256 6011 (24-hour general line), 6357 8866 / 8766;
- Thomson Medical Centre: 6350 8812.
Documents to bring in an emergency in Singapore
The patient (whether it's you or someone else) will need to bring their identification card. It can be helpful to photocopy important documents ahead of time, such as medical records and test results. You should also have emergency contacts either on paper or on your smartphone.
Emergency care at hospitals in Singapore
If you have a serious illness or injury, you should go to the Emergency Department of the nearest hospital. Examples of serious illnesses or injuries where you should go in include bleeding that won't stop, bruises caused by blows on the head, loss of consciousness, third-degree burns, or shortness of breath.
The staff will then assess the severity of your illness or injury and assign you a priority level:
- priority 1: critically ill patients who may need to be resuscitated;
- priority 2: non-ambulant major emergencies;
- priority 3: ambulant minor emergencies;
- priority 4: non-emergencies.
