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WCG

Know who you can call in an emergency

 

In an emergency every second counts and it could mean the difference between life and death. Currently, there’s no single emergency number in South Africa so it’s very important for you to have the correct contact details handy for a speedy response to your specific emergency.

Before you call

Always make sure that it’s a real emergency before you call as tying up emergency lines could lead to the prolonged suffering or death of someone else.

When calling an emergency number, make sure that you have the following information ready: Specific details about the location (address) of the incident or potential patient. Provide landmarks if you can.

  • Specific details of the incident. Speak clearly and as calmly as you can to the person taking your call.
  • Specific details about the contact person (name and telephone number). Make sure that the telephone line remains available until emergency services arrive at the scene.
  • If applicable, a description of the suspect(s) and/or vehicle(s) involved.
  • In the case of a stolen motor vehicle, the registration number, make, model and colour are important during the initial report.
  • Where applicable, if the patient(s) involved in the incident is conscious and breathing, a description of the injuries sustained.

Depending on the nature of your emergency, you can call the appropriate emergency number below:

Emergency numbers
Police Flying Squad 10111
Crime Stop 0860 010 111
Ambulance 10177
Cell Phone Emergency 112 (MTN, Vodacom, Cell C and Telkom)
Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape 0861 555 777
Childline 116
Safe Schools call centre 0800 454 647
Bureau of Missing Persons 021 918 3512 / 3449 / 3452
Lifeline 021 461 1113

 

Fire Departments
Fire and Rescue Services Please see your district municipality for emergency contact numbers.
City of Cape Town Headquarters Landline: 021 480 7700
Cell phone:107
Overberg 028 425 1690
West Coast 022 433 8700
Eden 044 805 5071
Central Karoo 023 414 2603
Cape Winelands 021 887 4446
Disaster Risk Management Centre:  080 911 HELP (4357)

 

Sea and Mountain Rescue
Cape Town 021 449 3500
Saldanha 022 714 1726
Mossel Bay 044 604 6271
National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) 087 094 9774
Wilderness Search & Rescue  021 937 0300
Emergency Numbers