THE MOST IMPORTANT EMERGENCY NUMBERS AT A GLANCE

In case of an emergency, especially when there is imminent danger to life and limb, it is crucial to take the right steps immediately. Knowing the most important emergency numbers plays a central role. This blog post not only provides basic information about the central emergency contact points for the fire department, police, and ambulance services but also includes details about specialized services that offer help and advice in various emergency situations.

In general, dialing emergency numbers in Austria is free, and there is no need to add a country or area code before the number. Certain services, such as firefighting or treating serious injuries by the ambulance, are free of charge, or the costs are covered by health insurance if needed.

It is important to provide the following information during any emergency call:

• WHERE is help needed?
• WHAT has happened?
• HOW many injured individuals?
• WHO is calling?
   

Subsequently, wait for further instructions from the emergency services to be ready for follow-up questions or additional rescue steps.

The emergency numbers mentioned in this blog post are specifically for individuals living in Austria and Villach. Since the standard language is German, not every phone partner may speak English. However, many Austrians speak English or can refer to English-speaking colleagues.

FIRE DEPARTMENT - 122

The fire department in Villach is the designated contact point for fires and other acute dangerous situations requiring their assistance. Behind this important task of protecting life and property are around 1,000 volunteer firefighters serving in 20 independent local fire departments and the main fire station in Villach.

POLICE - 133

The police in Villach are the first point of contact for all police matters, including theft, accidents, and other incidents requiring law enforcement. The Villach City Police Command is located at Trattengasse 34.

Additionally, deaf and hearing-impaired individuals can contact the police for free and quickly via SMS emergency number 0800 / 133 133. The DEC112 app has also been developed, enabling rapid text-based communication with the police.

AMBULANCE - 144

The ambulance service in Villach is responsible for medical emergencies and the transport of injured or sick individuals. The number 144 is to be dialed, especially in cases of accidents, injuries, or severe health problems. On average, every patient in Austria can be reached by the ambulance in 8-15 minutes. If unsure whether it is a genuine emergency, contact the telephone health advisory service at 1450 (see below) to keep emergency lines available for real emergencies.

EUROPEAN EMERGENCY NUMBER - 112

112 is the European emergency number uniformly used in Austria and other EU countries. It provides access to various emergency services by forwarding emergency information to the corresponding contact point, such as police, fire department, or ambulance. The cross-border Euro emergency call can be made for free even from locked phones without a network contract, without credit, and almost always without a SIM card!

OTHER IMPORTANT EMERGENCY NUMBERS

In addition to acute emergency numbers for specialized rescue operations, the most important numbers for quick help, advice, and support in various life and crisis situations are listed here. The provided telephone numbers are generally available around the clock, mostly free of charge (only the costs for your own telephone provider may apply), and can be used anonymously and confidentially.

MEDICAL CARE

• Pharmacy Emergency - 1455
  The pharmacy emergency provides information around the clock about the nearest available pharmacy outside regular opening hours. The current pharmacy on duty can also be viewed online.
   
• Physician Emergency Service - 141
  The physician emergency service is intended for medical emergencies outside the office hours of general practitioners and provides information about on-duty doctors. Here is a link to the current list of on-duty medical professionals.
   
• Telephone Health Advisory Service - 1450
  Calling 1450 connects to the hotline for medical advice. While the number has become known in recent years primarily as a contact point for reporting suspected COVID-19 cases, it is generally responsible for all health-related questions. For pain, medication inquiries, or uncertainty about whether to visit the hospital when your own doctor is unavailable, the hotline provides quick assistance around the clock for free.
   
• Poisoning Emergency Number - 01 / 406 43 43
  In cases of suspected poisoning, the Poisoning Emergency of the Poison Information Center (VIZ) offers swift assistance in assessing the situation and provides guidance on what to do next.

(SPECIALIZED) RESCUE SERVICES

• Mountain Rescue - 140
  Mountain Rescue is responsible for situations where individuals in alpine areas encounter difficulties, whether hiking, climbing, or skiing.
   
• Austrian Rescue Service with Rescue Dogs - 0699 / 155 444 01
  The Austrian Rescue Service with rescue dogs specializes in the search and rescue of missing or buried individuals. Personnel search operations are free of charge and can be requested by anyone.
   
• Samaritan Association Villach - 04242 / 252 50
  The Samaritan Association offers first aid and rescue services as well as support in various emergency situations.
   
• Water Rescue - 130
  Water Rescue is responsible for emergencies in bodies of water such as lakes and rivers, providing rescue services and water rescue operations.

PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT

• Psychiatric Immediate Aid - 01 / 313 30
  The Social Psychiatric Emergency Service based in Vienna provides support and rapid assistance in acute mental crises and problems.
   
• Psychiatric Emergency and Crisis Service (PNK) for Carinthia West - 0664 / 300 90 03
  PNK West, located in the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine at the State Hospital Villach, is available around the clock for people in emotional distress and their relatives. If telephone counseling by professionals is insufficient, crisis services can also be sent to the individuals in need.
   
• "Rat auf Draht" Children and Teenagers Emergency ORF - 147
  The "Rat auf Draht" hotline offers children and teenagers the opportunity to speak anonymously and freely about their problems and concerns at any time.
   
• Telephone Counseling - 142
  Telephone counseling provides anonymous support and confidential advice for people in mental distress. A conversation partner is available around the clock, whether in moments of crisis, loneliness, or just needing someone to talk to.
   
• Women's Helpline against Violence - 0800 / 222 555
  This 24/7 reachable hotline is an uncomplicated first point of contact for women affected by violence. It offers quick support and advice, including in Arabic, Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian, English, Romanian, Spanish, and Turkish.
   
• Men's Emergency Call - 0800 / 246 247
  The Men's Emergency Call is the first telephone contact point for men in crisis and violence situations. Over 30 professionally trained and volunteer male staff provide advice on issues ranging from relationship problems to restraining orders and even suicidal thoughts.

ANIMAL WELFARE & EXOTIC ANIMALS

• Reptile Emergency - 0664 / 100 51 99
  The 24/7 available Reptile Emergency is for situations where snakes or other exotic animals are discovered in residential areas. In Carinthia, the Happ Reptile Zoo serves as a rescue station for various reptiles and a direct point of contact for the population in case of problems with snakes.

MISSING CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS

• Missing Children Hotline - 116 000
  This Europe-wide hotline aims to support the search for missing children and offer help to children and adolescents who have run away from home and are unsure of their next steps. Information regarding the whereabouts of missing children is also accepted. Please note that this hotline does not replace the police emergency number!

HELP FOR ACUTELY HOMELESS

• Emergency Shelter Hotline - 04242 / 29000
  The Villach Emergency Shelter Hotline provides quickly accessible shelter for acutely homeless individuals and those in crisis, along with access to additional support measures. The hotline is available every day from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
   
• Cold Weather Helpline - 0463 / 39 60 60
  During the cold winter months, from early November to late March, rapid assistance for acutely homeless individuals can be obtained through the Caritas Cold Weather Helpline from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM. To prevent individuals from freezing, every report is investigated, and those affected can be provided with winter-resistant sleeping bags, warm winter clothing, and tea. If desired, emergency shelter can also be arranged. In case of medical emergencies, it is essential to contact emergency services at number 144. Since the Cold Weather Helpline is only active at night, if you discover sleeping camps of homeless individuals on icy days during the daytime, you can call the Homeless Day Center Eggerheim at 0463 / 55 560 37 to offer assistance.