If you live in Poland or you’re visiting Warsaw, you should save Poland’s emergency numbers in your phone before you need them. This guide covers the official emergency numbers in Poland, what each one is for, and what to say when you call—based on government and public-service sources.
The #1 emergency number in Poland: 112
112 is the EU-wide emergency number and works in Poland free of charge from both landlines and mobile phones. In Poland, it can also be dialed without a SIM card.
When you dial 112, your call is answered by an Emergency Call Centre operator who gathers key details and forwards the incident to the appropriate service (police, fire, medical) depending on what happened and where.
Good to know for foreigners: the Polish Police notes that emergency number 112 is operated in Polish and English.
Emergency numbers in Poland (quick table)
| Service | Number | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| All emergencies (EU number) | 112 | Any urgent threat to life/health/safety; you’re unsure which service you need |
| Ambulance / medical emergency | 999 | Serious injury, loss of consciousness, severe bleeding, suspected stroke/heart attack |
| Fire brigade | 998 | Fire, smoke, immediate fire risk |
| Police | 997 | Crime in progress, violence, immediate public danger |
| Municipal Guard (Straż Miejska) | 986 | Public order issues handled by municipal guard (varies by city) |
Poland officially keeps national numbers (997/998/999) alongside 112—112 does not “replace” them.
Special rescue numbers (mountains and water)
These are especially important if you travel outside cities, go hiking, or spend time near lakes/rivers.
Water rescue
- 984 or 601 100 100 — water rescue (WOPR/MOPR), recommended for emergencies on water
Mountain rescue
- 985 or 601 100 300 — mountain rescue (TOPR/GOPR)
Polish government guidance for safe holidays explicitly lists these “water” and “mountain” rescue numbers alongside 112.
Utility emergency numbers in Poland (electricity, gas, water)
Poland also uses dedicated “emergency service” numbers for urgent technical hazards:
- 991 — electricity emergency
- 992 — gas emergency
- 993 — heating emergency
- 994 — water & sewerage emergency
And additional official emergency lines commonly listed by Polish public services:
- 987 — crisis management centre
- 995 — Child Alert (Police)
- 996 — anti-terrorism centre
What to say when calling 112 (and why it matters)
Poland’s Ministry of the Interior explains that response time depends partly on how clearly you report the incident, and you should cooperate with the operator and provide only relevant information.
A practical checklist (based on official guidance):
- Location first
Give an exact address if possible: city, street, nearby building number, landmark, or how to reach the place. - What happened
Describe the incident briefly: accident, fire, assault, medical emergency, etc. - How many people and condition
Number of injured people and what you see (unconscious, bleeding, trapped, etc.). - Your name and callback number
Police guidance recommends providing the reporting person’s details and contact phone. - Don’t hang up early
The Polish Police warns that hanging up can prolong the procedure.
For medical emergencies, the Ministry notes you may be redirected to a medical dispatcher after initial information is collected.
When NOT to call emergency numbers in Poland
Misusing emergency lines can block access for real emergencies. Poland’s Ministry of the Interior explicitly lists examples of non-emergency reasons you should not call 112 (weather, transport schedules, “checking if it works,” ordering a taxi/pizza, etc.).
It also warns that unjustified calls can lead to penalties (including a fine) under Polish regulations.
If you can’t make a voice call: Alarm112 (official app)
Poland’s Ministry of the Interior operates Alarm112, a mobile app that lets users send emergency reports to the Emergency Call Centre—especially useful for people who cannot place a voice call (including deaf and hard-of-hearing users).
The app supports selecting the incident type and location using pictograms, which the operator uses to forward the incident to the appropriate service.
Warsaw-specific: City contact centre (non-emergency)
For city services and municipal issues in Warsaw (reporting problems, getting information), Warsaw runs a 24/7 City Contact Centre:
- Warsaw 19115 (City Contact Center) — non-emergency municipal contact line
- City Hall address (Office of the City of Warsaw): Aleje Jerozolimskie 44, 00-024 Warsaw
Use 112 for emergencies; use 19115 for city-related issues that are not urgent life-and-death emergencies.
FAQ: Emergency numbers in Poland
Is 112 free in Poland?
Yes—112 is the EU emergency number, available free of charge in Poland and across the EU.
Can I call 112 without a SIM card?
Yes. Poland’s Ministry of the Interior states that 112 can be dialed from a phone without a SIM card.
Do 997/998/999 still work in Poland?
Yes. Poland officially keeps national emergency numbers alongside 112.
What number should I call in the mountains or on the water?
Government guidance lists:
- Water rescue: 984 or 601 100 100
- Mountain rescue: 985 or 601 100 300
Conclusion
The safest approach in Poland is simple: save 112 as your primary emergency number, and also store the key national and rescue lines (997/998/999, plus water and mountain rescue). Poland’s official guidance emphasizes clear location details, short explanations, and staying on the line until the operator confirms your report.