Emergency Numbers in the Netherlands

Knowing the correct emergency numbers when living in a foreign country is paramount for personal safety. In the event of an accident, illness, or crime, having immediate access to help can be lifesaving. Unfortunately, emergency numbers vary widely between countries, and relying on familiar numbers like 911 can lead to delays in critical assistance. 

This article aims to equip you with essential knowledge by providing a comprehensive overview of emergency numbers in the Netherlands. By understanding these vital contact details, everyone can navigate potential crises with confidence and increase their chances of always being safe.

The Universal Emergency Number: Call 112

European emergency number 112 is the main emergency number for emergencies across most European countries, including the Netherlands. This single, easy-to-remember number connects callers to police, ambulance, or fire services, regardless of their location within the continent.

Its standardisation eliminates the confusion of remembering different emergency numbers in each country, ensuring swift response times in critical situations. If you see somewhere a label saying Notruf Niederland, this is the number for emergency call Netherlands.

Whether you’re a Dutch resident or a foreigner, dialling the 112 phone number for emergency Netherlands is what provides immediate access to essential assistance, making it an indispensable tool for safety and peace of mind. 

Finding yourself in an emergency in Holland? This guide provides essential emergency numbers to help you navigate any crisis and call appropriate emergency services. Remember, if you’re calling from outside the Netherlands, you’ll need to dial +31 before the number. Keep in mind that charges may apply for international calls.

Don’t panic; here is the list of who to call in emergency Netherlands.

Dutch Police Number

For urgent situations, always call 112. However, for non-emergencies, call these police emergency numbers Netherlands:

• Police Number: Need to report a non-urgent crime or request assistance? Call non-emergency police number Netherlands 0900-8844 to connect with your local police station. You can also report some crimes anonymously through Meld Misdaad Anoniem (M.) at 0800-7000 or their website.
• Lost or Stolen Documents: If you lose your passport, ID card, or driving licence, contact your embassy first. They’ll advise you on the next steps, which may include filing a police report.

This information streamlines your response to non-critical situations, allowing authorities to prioritise true emergencies.

For any life-threatening situation or to report crime in Netherlands, call 112 immediately. If you’ve been a victim of sexual violence:

• Arosa (010 820 08 40): Offers support and guidance for victims of domestic or sexual violence. You can also visit their website.
• MIND Korrelatie (0900 1450): Provides anonymous professional assistance for victims of sexual violence.

For suspected fraud:

• Fraudehelpdesk (088 786 73 72): This is the national anti-fraud hotline, offering assistance and advice on scams and fraudulent activity.

Fire Service

The Netherlands’ fire service, known as the Brandweer, is a vital emergency service. In addition to responding to fires, they handle a wide range of emergencies, including rescues from heights, water accidents, and hazardous material incidents. 

For immediate fire-related emergencies and life-threatening situations, dial the universal emergency number 112. If you require fire department assistance for a non-urgent matter, call 0900 0904.

Ambulance Netherlands

For life-threatening and emergency medical help Netherlands call 112 immediately. An ambulance will be dispatched directly to your location.

Spoedeisende Hulp (SEH), or hospital emergency departments, are responsible for handling accidents and emergency care in the Netherlands. 

Netherlands ambulance number for out-of-hours doctor: For non-life-threatening emergencies, contact your local ambulance service or your GP (huisarts), or visit your nearest huisartsenpost (out-of-hours medical clinic). If your GP determines a hospital visit is necessary, they’ll contact the hospital beforehand.

Netherlands medical emergency number: For general medical information 24/7, call the national helpline at 0900 1515.

Emergency Doctor Services – Here you can find emergency clinic Netherlands and doctor service hotlines for specific regions.

Mental Health Services Phone number

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, your first step should be to consult your GP or company doctor. They can assess your needs and recommend appropriate treatment or specialised care.

National Resources: The Dutch Association of Mental Health and Addiction Care (033 460 89 00) provides information and support.

Support for Expats: Numerous organisations offer counselling and psychological support tailored to expats:

• PsyQ: Specialises in various mental health conditions in The Hague.
• ExpatPsy: Provides support for expat workers, families, and students in Rotterdam.
• Expatriate Counselor: Offers counseling for expats in Haarlem and Amsterdam dealing with relocation challenges.

Crisis Support: For immediate assistance in mental health crises, contact:

• Suicide prevention Netherlands emergency number: 0900 0113
• De Luisterlijn: 0900 0767 
• Samaritans: 0602 222 88

Drug and alcohol services in the Netherlands

You can find a wide variety of  crisis number Netherlands for individuals struggling with drug and alcohol abuse.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a well-known organisation providing support and guidance for those with alcohol addiction. For immediate assistance, contact their 24-hour helpline at 020 625 6057.

Al-Anon offers support specifically for family and friends affected by someone else’s alcohol addiction. You can call them at 06 48 644 690.

Children, family, and youth services in the Netherlands 

While some resources are available in English, many websites and hotlines are primarily in Dutch. Here are the most important numbers for emergency services Netherlands.

Domestic Violence or Abuse

• Veiligthuis (National Hotline) 0800 2000 (24/7) – Provides support and guidance for domestic violence, child abuse, and elderly abuse. Website in Dutch!
• Victim Support Netherlands: 0900 0101 or the Slachtoffer Hulp Nederland website – Offers resources and assistance for victims of various crimes.
• Blijf Groep (Domestic Violence Shelter): 020 611 6022 or Blijf Groep website in Dutch. Provides safe haven and support services for victims of domestic violence.
• Primary Aid Line (Sexual Violence): 020 613 0245 – Offers crisis support and assistance for victims of sexual violence.

Child Abuse

Kindertelefoon (Child Helpline): 0800 0432 (2:00 PM – 8:00 PM) or Kindertelefoon website (in Dutch) – Provides confidential support and advice for children and teenagers facing various issues.

Missing Children

Missing Children Europe: 116 000 (24/7) – Offers information and support to families of missing children across 10 European countries.

Other Family Services

• Koninklijke Nederlandse Organisatie van Verloskundigen (KNOV): National organisation for midwives in the Netherlands, providing resources and support for expecting mothers.
• Doula Services: doula.nl – Offers guidance and assistance from trained professionals to support new mothers during childbirth and postpartum.

Many hotlines cater to specific needs.  If there are no numbers provided, you can always consult government websites or local organisations for comprehensive information.

Emabasis and Services for Foreigners in the Netherlands

The Netherlands hosts over 200 foreign embassies. For a complete list, check EmbassyPages.

Poison Control Centre

The Netherlands has a poison control centre that provides information and advice on poisoning cases. For poisoning emergencies, call the Dutch Poison Control Centre at 030-2748888. In severe cases, also dial 112.

Utility and Telecommunications Services in the Netherlands

For serious sewage problems, contact your local gemeente. If the issue lies in the pipe between your home and the street, it’s the responsibility of the local water board. 

Other essential utilities:

• Water Boards: For general information about water management, visit the Association of Water Boards (Unie van Waterschappen) website.
• Essent: A major energy provider. Contact them at 0900 1550 or visit their website.
• Gas Leak and Electricity Emergencies: For gas or electricity outages, call 0800 9009 or visit the Gas-en-Stroomstoringen website.

Road and Traffic Emergencies in the Netherlands

Emergency numbers, breakdown assistance, traffic updates, and road rules in the Netherlands.

• Roadside Assistance: ANWB (088 269 2222)
• Public Transport: Check schedules and routes on 9292 (0900 9292)
• Bike Rentals: OV-fiets for bike sharing
• Disabled Transport: Valys (0900 9630)

Homelessness Services in the Netherlands

Many organisations and resources are available for homeless individuals in the Netherlands, including shelters, food banks, and support services. Start with Opvangatlas to find local assistance:

• Salvation Army (Leger des Heils): Offers various support services.
• Youth Information Point (JIP): For those under 25.
• Rainbow Foundation (De Regenboog Groep): Provides assistance to the homeless.

Animal Services in the Netherlands

Here you can find information on pet registration, veterinary care, animal shelters, and regulations related to pet ownership in the Netherlands.

• Animal Emergencies: Contact the Federatie Dierenambulances Nederland (FDN) at 034 352 1751 or through their website.
• Animal Shelters and Adoption: Many animal ambulances also provide shelters for animals seeking new homes.
• Veterinary Care: The Royal Netherlands Veterinary Association (KNMvD) can offer guidance.
• Animal Welfare: Report animal suffering to the Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals (Dierenbescherming) at 144.

Final Thoughts on Emergency Numbers in the Netherlands

Familiarising yourself with emergency numbers is a crucial step in preparing for life in the Netherlands. Remember, call 112; this is the universal national number for all emergencies, not only in the Netherlands but in most European countries as well.

With this knowledge, you can navigate unforeseen circumstances with confidence. As you embark on this new chapter, consider exploring the Netherlands’ dynamic job market. The country offers a wealth of opportunities across various industries, so don’t hesitate to look for a perfect job offer abroad.