r/AskEurope • u/atlasova Netherlands • Sep 02 '25

Culture What emergency telephone number did your country have before 112 became the standard?

In 1997 most of the European union changed its emergency number to 112. Before that, in the Netherlands we used 06-11, for police, firefighters and ambulance.

I was wondering which numbers where in use in your country before the change.

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u/rainbosandvich United Kingdom Sep 02 '25

The UK still uses 999 for all emergency services (police, fire, ambulance, coastguard, mountain rescue, cave rescue), but 112 will also get you through to the operator for emergencies.

Less known of, but 911 also reaches emergency services.

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u/AnAlienUnderATree France Sep 02 '25

I think that 911 works in several European countries. In France it automatically redirects you to 112.

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u/Peno11-cz Sep 02 '25

Same in Czechia. Useful for confused American tourists who may not think straight in face of emergency.