It's important to familiarize yourself with emergency procedures before any issues arise, especially since dealing with a language barrier in a foreign country can add extra stress. So, what steps should you take if you experience an emergency or accident during your stay in Switzerland? And which emergency numbers should you have on hand?
Warning signs in Switzerland
When there's a threat to the population, sirens are activated. There are two different types of warning signals in Switzerland:
General alarm
This alert is triggered in the event of a large-scale threat to the population. It consists of a continuous sound lasting one minute, broadcast by stationary sirens and repeated after five minutes. To listen to the sound, click here (official video from the Federal Office for Civil Protection).
Stay updated by tuning in to the radio or checking the AlertSwiss app, which provides information on various dangers, such as chemical pollution or terrorist attacks.
Follow the instructions provided on the radio or through the AlertSwiss app.
Be sure to inform your neighbors and others who might be vulnerable.
The water alarm signal
This alarm is used in high-risk areas near dams. It features twelve low tones, each lasting 20 seconds with 10-second intervals in between. You can listen to the alarm signal here.
Good to know:
The sirens are tested every year on the first Wednesday in February.
In case you hear this signal, you need to leave the threatened area right away.
Fire in Switzerland
In case of a fire, remember these three basic rules: alert the fire department, rescue anyone in immediate danger, and attempt to extinguish the fire.
First, dial 118, then warn anyone nearby who may be at risk.
Assist those around you, including animals, but don't take risks.
Close all doors and windows to slow the spread of toxic smoke and flames. Use emergency exits, but avoid elevators.
Only attempt to extinguish small fires within the first few minutes. If you can't control the fire, evacuate the building immediately.
Road accidents in Switzerland
Accidents with injuries
You must stop, whether you're directly involved in the accident or not. Failing to do so when there are injuries or fatalities could lead to hit-and-run charges.
On the freeway, pull over to the hard shoulder and turn on your hazard lights. Call the police (117 or 112) before getting out of your vehicle. Put on a safety vest and set up the warning triangle at least 100 meters ahead of the accident.
Give first aid to the injured until help arrives.
Damaged vehicles
Don't move the damaged vehicles. Instead, take photos from all angles. Fill out the accident report form, which should be in every glove compartment.
If anyone is injured or there's a dispute about the cause of the accident, call the police.
Notify your insurance company of any damage right away.
Medical emergencies in Switzerland
First, familiarize yourself with the emergency numbers listed in the section below. Be clear and precise when giving information to emergency services, and use English if you're not fluent in the local language.
It's also wise to have first-aid training and to refresh it every two to three years.
If you're trained, provide necessary care after calling for help. This might include CPR. If the person is unconscious but breathing, place them in the recovery position. For bleeding wounds, apply pressure to stop the bleeding.
You can go to the hospital without calling an ambulance. Generally, your health insurance company will have a list of approved hospitals, but in an emergency, you can go to any hospital and still be reimbursed for your costs.
Teleconsultations are also widely available and effective in Switzerland. For less serious emergencies, you can get medical advice online or by phone. For more information, check out the teleconsultation platform provided by the FMH Swiss Medical Association.
Emergency numbers in Switzerland
The most important emergency number in Switzerland and Europe is 112.
No matter the type of emergency, it connects you directly to the police alarm center.
Other emergency numbers are the following:
- Police 117;
- Fire department 118;
- Ambulance 144;
- Tox Info Switzerland (poisoning) 145;
- Children's and young people's helpline 147;
- SBB transport police 0800 117 117;
- Hotline of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (consular services);
- 0800 247 365 / From abroad: 41800 247 365 or 41 58 465 33 33.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
