In any immediate life-threatening situation in Andalucía, dial 112. This single number connects you to the police, fire brigade, and ambulance services with English-speaking operators available 24/7.

Essential Emergency Numbers and Procedures in Andalucía

When facing an emergency in Andalucía, knowing which number to call and what information to provide is vital. While 112 is the universal emergency number, there are specific codes for different services, such as the police and medical teams, which can sometimes provide a faster direct response. This guide outlines the contact details for emergency services, consular support, and the steps to take if you lose your passport or suffer a crime.

Quick Answer: The Most Important Numbers

For any immediate emergency involving health, safety, or fire, dial 112. This is a free call from any mobile or landline and works even if your phone is locked or has no credit. Operators can communicate in English, French, and German. For non-life-threatening police matters, call 091 (National Police) or 062 (Guardia Civil). For medical emergencies specifically, 061 connects you directly to the health dispatch centre.

1. The Universal Emergency Number: 112

The 112 service is the primary point of contact for all emergencies in Andalucía. It acts as a central switchboard that coordinates the necessary response units.

• Cost: Free from all phones.
• Availability: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Languages: Spanish is the default, but they have dedicated English-speaking staff. If you do not speak Spanish, state "English" clearly when the operator answers.
• Coverage: Works across the entire European Union and all eight provinces of Andalucía.

When you call 112, you must provide:

1. The exact location of the emergency (street name, town, or motorway kilometre marker).
2. The nature of the emergency (accident, fire, robbery, or medical issue).
3. The number of people involved or injured.
4. Your phone number, in case the connection is lost.

2. Police Services in Andalucía

Spain has several police forces with different jurisdictions. Knowing which one to call depends on your location and the situation.

Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (National Police) - 091

The National Police handle serious crimes, domestic violence, and urban security in cities and large towns. Call 091 to report a robbery, assault, or any criminal activity in progress within an urban area.

Guardia Civil - 062

The Guardia Civil is a military-status force responsible for rural areas, small villages, and traffic safety on motorways. They also handle mountain rescues (GREIM) and maritime incidents. If you have an accident on the A-92 or A-7 motorways, or an issue in a remote white village (Pueblo Blanco), call 062.

Policía Local (Local Police) - 092

Managed by individual town halls (Ayuntamientos), the Local Police handle traffic control within towns, noise complaints, minor disputes, and local ordinance enforcement. In many coastal resorts, they are the first responders you will see on the streets.

SATE (Foreign Tourist Assistance Service)

Several major cities in Andalucía, including Málaga and Seville, have SATE offices. These are specialised police stations designed to help foreign visitors report crimes in their own language and assist with cancelled credit cards or contacting consulates.

• Málaga SATE: Plaza de la Marina, 11. Telephone: +34 951 926 161.
• Seville SATE: Patio de Banderas, s/n (near the Cathedral). Telephone: +34 954 228 840.

3. Medical Emergencies and Health Services

For urgent medical assistance, there are two main routes. If you are in a remote area or the situation is life-threatening (heart attack, major trauma), use 112 or 061.

061 Health Response (Urgencias Sanitarias)

The 061 number is specifically for medical emergencies. This service dispatches ambulances and provides medical advice over the phone. In Andalucía, this service is managed by the EPES (Empresa Pública de Emergencias Sanitarias).

Public Hospitals and 'Urgencias'

If the situation is not life-threatening but requires immediate attention, you should head to the nearest Urgencias (Emergency Room) at a public hospital or a Centro de Salud (Health Centre) with an emergency department.

Required Documentation:

• EU Citizens: Bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) along with your passport.
• Non-EU Citizens: You must present your passport and proof of private travel insurance.

Public emergency care is generally provided regardless of your ability to pay at the moment of arrival, but you will be invoiced later if you do not have the correct documentation or insurance.

4. Consulates and Lost Passports

Consulates cannot investigate crimes or pay your medical bills, but they can issue emergency travel documents if your passport is lost or stolen.

British Consulate (Málaga)

The British Consulate in Málaga serves most of Andalucía.

• Address: Edificio Eurocom, Calle Mauricio Moro Pareto, 2, 29006 Málaga.
• Telephone: +34 952 352 300 (Available 24/7 for emergencies).
• Services: Assistance with hospitalisations, arrests, or deaths of British nationals.

Irish Consulate (Málaga)

• Address: Calle Somera, 5, 29001 Málaga.
• Telephone: +34 952 212 374.

United States Consular Agency (Fuengirola)

• Address: Avenida Juan Gómez "Juanito", 8, Edificio Lucía 1C, 29640 Fuengirola.
• Telephone: +34 952 474 891.

5. What to do if your passport is stolen

If your passport is stolen, follow these exact steps to ensure you can return home:

1. Report the theft immediately: Visit the nearest police station (Policía Nacional) to file a denuncia (police report). You can do this by phone in English by calling 902 102 112 (note: this is a paid number) and then visiting a station to sign the report within 48 hours.
2. Obtain the 'Denuncia': You must have a physical copy of this report for insurance claims and to apply for an emergency passport.
3. Contact your Consulate: Apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD). For UK citizens, this costs approximately £100 (€115–€120 depending on exchange rates) and is usually processed within two working days.
4. Photos: You will likely need two passport-sized photos that meet current specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call 112 from a UK or US mobile phone?

Yes. 112 is a standard international emergency number. It will connect to the nearest Spanish emergency centre regardless of where your phone or SIM card is from. It is also free to call from international mobiles while roaming in Spain.

What is a 'Farmacia de Guardia'?

If you need urgent medication outside of standard business hours (usually 09:30 to 21:30), you must find a Farmacia de Guardia (Duty Pharmacy). Every pharmacy will have a list of the nearest open duty pharmacies posted on their front door or window. You can also find them online via the local provincial Colegio de Farmacéuticos website.

How do I report a car accident?

If there are injuries, call 112 immediately. If it is a minor "fender bender" with no injuries, you should complete a Parte Amistoso (Amicable Accident Report) provided by your car rental company or insurance provider. Do not sign it unless you fully understand the Spanish text; if there is a dispute, call the Local Police (092) or Guardia Civil (062) to attend the scene.

Is there an app for emergencies in Andalucía?

Yes, the AlertCops app is the official Spanish police app. It allows you to send an alert with your GPS location directly to the police or Guardia Civil. It includes a chat feature that supports multiple languages, including English.

Summary of Emergency Contacts

• 112: All emergencies (Multilingual).
• 091 / 062: National Police and Guardia Civil for reporting crime.
• 061: Direct medical emergency dispatch.
• Police Report (Denuncia): Essential for insurance and emergency passports.

Information correct as of April 2024. Emergency procedures and phone numbers are subject to change by regional authorities.