Emergency numbers in The Netherlands

We stated in some of our recent materials that the Netherlands is one of the safest countries in Europe. We wanted to dive deeper into this topic. Many of those who receive advice and help from us, in order to go to work in the Netherlands, are experiencing their first employment in this country. That is why this material is intended primarily for them, and then for those who need to contact the Dutch state institutions.

In the following paragraphs, we’ve listed the most important emergency numbers in The Netherlands for the most important institutions but also for those moments when you are in an unexpected or difficult situation.

Emergency numbers in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has a very complex and efficient emergency service. There are emergency numbers in the Netherlands for all institutions and services that can intervene when a problem needs to be solved or disaster prevention is needed. You can call each one separately, but you will get the fastest answer if you call 112. Even if your phone has no signal, or even if you don't have a SIM card inserted in your phone, 112 calls are possible.

You can call the universal European emergency number: 112 to prevent danger or call for help in the event of an explosion, accident, fire, theft, or other medical emergencies. You can also call 112 in the Netherlands in case you witness a suicide attempt. However, it is illegal to call 112 for minor cases or incidents. If you need a doctor, a medical check-up, or you have lost a few euros on the street, you will not be able to call 112. Unnecessary calls to 112 that keep the line busy will be considered violations of the law and will be treated accordingly.

Now that you know what the emergency is and what can be reported to 112, here are the numbers dedicated to the departments you can call depending on the emergency you want to report.

Netherlands Emergency Numbers for Firefighters

In the Netherlands, firefighters (Brandweer) can be called in for emergencies such as fires, floods, natural disasters, crashes, or if a large number of people are in imminent danger. You can call 112 every time there is an emergency that requires the firemen's involvement. However, if the emergency is not so serious or if you just need information from the fire department, you will be able to contact the dispatcher by calling 0900 0904.

Netherlands emergency numbers for Medical Services

When it comes to medical emergencies, the quickest answer you can get is by calling 112. However, if the medical emergency is not life-threatening and does not require immediate assistance, you may need to seek the help of a specialist or a doctor. After talking to your doctor, he will decide if you need an ambulance or emergency services and will call 112 for you.

If you need additional information about medical services in the Netherlands, you can call 0900 – 1515 at any time of the day or night. If you urgently need a specialist, every city in the Netherlands has a dedicated number. Here is a list that can be very helpful:

• Eindhoven (CHP Zuidoost-Brabant Huisartsenposten) 0900 8861 
• Rotterdam (Huisartsenposten Rijnmond) 010 290 9888 / 010 466 9573 / 010 279 9262
• Amsterdam (Stichting Huisartsen Dienstenposten) 088 003 0600 
• Haga (Huisartsendienst SMASH) 070 346 9669 
• Utrecht (Primair Huisartsenposten) 0900 450 1450 

 

Mental Health emergency services

The Netherlands is a country where medical services of all kinds are highly developed, and thanks to these practices, every resident of the Netherlands or expat can contact emergency mental health services. If you are a person who came to the Netherlands to work, there is a dedicated support and therapy line. If you have an acquaintance or friend who needs therapeutic assistance, you can call the Dutch Mental Health Association on 033 460 8900.

There are several websites online that can be accessed depending on your mental needs.

• ExpatPsy is a website that provides dedicated support for workers, their families, and even students in the Rotterdam area. Access the website here.
• Expatriate Counselors: Amsterdam counseling services for expats and their families who are experiencing feelings of isolation and who are overwhelmed by work, social relationships, and other stressors.

 

Emergency numbers the Netherlands for family or child emergencies

If you need help with certain family emergencies, or you are facing certain incidents related to domestic abuse, you will be able to call institutions that offer help and counseling services, but also take legal measures to prevent these acts.

• For child abuse, domestic violence, or elder abuse, you can call 0800 2000.
• Victim Support - 0900 0101
• Shelter for victims of domestic violence (0202) 611-6022

 

Missing children

If you have noticed that one or more children have disappeared, or even if your child is not returning home or has disappeared for no reason, you can call Kindertelefon 0800 0432.

Conclusion

The list of emergency numbers in the Netherlands can go on, but many of these services can be found very quickly on an internet search. Just write on Google what your problem is and try to find the institutions that can fix the problem as soon as possible.

 

If you're interested in working in the Netherlands in the naval, industrial, logistics, or construction field, contact the DB Work team or send your CV to job@dbwork.com, and check our daily job vacancies! An employment contract in the Netherlands through DB Work brings numerous benefits. Find the complete list of benefits in our article!