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 |
