Emergency Numbers

This is the number is for the police emergency unit. Depending on the nature of the emergency the police may alert additional services (e.g. fire department).

This is the emergency number for the police.

This number is for the fire department.

This number is for the rescue service. It should be dialed only if help is needed immediately, an ambulance is necessary, or if the gravity of the situation is unclear (e.g. accident). Other medical problems should be discussed with a family doctor. Outside of regular office hours designated doctors are available in case of emergency. Available doctors are announced on doctors' answering machines or in the regional newspapers. There is also a cantonal emergency number 0900 576 747 (please note the charge: 1.98 per minute). This helpline provides medical advice and directions to the appropriate and nearest available service (doctor, hospital). Another option is directly contacting an emergency unit (hospital / emergency doctor's office).

There are regional emergency pharmacies where you can get medicines outside regular opening hours. These pharmacies charge fees for emergency services (night or duty surcharge). The services of the emergency pharmacy must usually be paid for immediately and in cash.

In the event of dental accidents or toothaches, emergency dentists are also on duty outside regular opening hours. There is a surcharge for treatment between 20.00 and 07.00. When calling, one can inquire about the exact amount. Payment for services is usually made in cash.

If one has swallowed or suspects that one has swallowed something poisonous, this number contacts doctors and trained staff. They explain how to proceed in cases of poisoning. In life-threatening situations one should dial 144 immediately. The website offers detailed information on the subject of poison/poisoning.

The number 143 (Extended Hand, Dargebotene Hand) is for persons who wish to talk about any type of difficulty (in German, French, Italian). It is for crisis situations and all other problems and worries. Consultations are confidential and anonymous. Information on additional helpful resources is available. The Extended Hand can also be contacted via email or chat.

The number 147 is for children and young people who wish to discuss any type of difficulties (in German, French, Italian). It is for crisis situations and all other difficulties and worries. Trained staff is available round the clock. Consultations are confidential and anonymous. The helpline can also be contacted via email, text, or chat.

The parent emergency helpline (Elternnotruf | Urgence Parents) connects persons who seek advice on parenting with trained staff. They help when one feels overwhelmed or overburdened with childcare, or when one is worried about one's own or someone else's children. One may also contact the parent helpline when one suspects that one's child or someone else's is being mentally or physically abused. Consultations are confidential and, upon request, anonymous. Contact is also possible via email. The parent helpline does not provide medical advice.

The women's shelter (Frauenhaus | Maison des femmes) in Bern, Biel And Thun offer round the clock advice and support for women who are subject to domestic violence. Family, friends and specialists can also contact the women's shelter. Consultations are confidential and, upon request, anonymous. The shelter can also be contacted via email. Additional information on domestic violence, including information for affected men, and contact information regarding other counselling services can be found in the section, Partnership and Children > Conflicts