Emergency numbers in Poland – how and when to use them?

Basic Nationwide Emergency Numbers

In Poland, there are several key emergency numbers that everyone should memorize, as they enable immediate contact with the appropriate emergency services.

112 – European Emergency Number
112 works throughout the entire European Union and is intended for reporting all types of emergencies that pose a threat to life, health, or property. Calling 112 quickly connects you with the police, fire brigade, ambulance service, and other emergency services. This number should be used in urgent situations where fast and comprehensive help is needed.

998 – Fire Brigade
998 is the direct number for contacting the fire brigade. Call this number in situations such as fires, road accidents with a fire hazard, or other events requiring firefighters’ intervention.

999 – Emergency Medical Services (Ambulance)
By calling 999, you can summon emergency medical services. This number is dedicated to reporting medical emergencies, such as accidents, sudden illnesses, injuries, or cardiac arrest.

997 – Police
997 allows for quick contact with the police. Use this number in situations where safety is at risk, such as crimes, burglaries, disturbances, or other incidents requiring police intervention.

Knowing and correctly using these basic emergency numbers can, in many cases, save lives or protect health – so it’s worth having them always at hand.

Animal Patrol – Help for Animals

What is Animal Patrol?
Animal patrol is a specialized service or organization that works to protect animals and respond in situations where animals are in danger or need help. Typically, animal patrols cooperate with local services such as municipal police or animal shelters and intervene in cases involving abandoned, injured, or threatened animals.

When should you contact them?
You should call animal patrol when you notice an animal in need of immediate help – for example, if it’s injured, abandoned, left without care, or in danger on the road or in public spaces. Animal patrol can also assist in cases of animal abuse, neglect, or conflicts involving animals.

How to contact animal patrol in Poland?
There is no single nationwide animal patrol number in Poland, so it’s important to know your local contact numbers or reach out through the municipal police, which often cooperates with animal patrols. Many cities also have non-governmental organizations that help animals – it’s worth keeping their numbers handy.

Examples of situations where animal patrol can help:

Finding an injured or sick animal on the street or in the forest.

Reporting an abandoned dog or cat.

Intervening in cases of animal abuse.

Assisting with aggressive or wild animals posing a threat to people or other animals.

Thanks to animal patrol services, animals in difficult situations have a better chance of receiving quick and professional help.

Other Important Numbers and Institutions

In addition to the basic emergency numbers, it’s also useful to know other important contacts that can help in various crisis or day-to-day situations.

Municipal Police (Straż Miejska)
The municipal police handle maintaining order and safety in the city. You can contact them regarding offenses, disturbances of public order, illegal parking, or issues with wild animals on the streets. Municipal police numbers are usually local and can be found on city office websites.

Gas, Water, and Power Emergency Services
In case of failures in gas, water, or electrical systems, it’s worth knowing the emergency numbers of the relevant services. Quickly reporting a problem helps avoid dangers like gas leaks, flooding, or power outages. These numbers are typically listed on utility bills or provider websites.

Local Animal Shelters
Local animal shelters take in abandoned or found animals. Contacting them is useful if you find a lost animal or need help with caring for a stray. Shelter phone numbers are available on municipal and animal welfare organization websites.

Psychological Help (Crisis Hotlines)
In cases of emotional or mental health crises, you can use crisis hotlines that offer psychological support during difficult times. In Poland, many such lines operate, e.g., the Child and Youth Helpline: 116 111 or the Adult Crisis Helpline: 116 123.

Knowing these numbers can be very helpful not only in emergencies but also in everyday situations requiring professional intervention.

Summary and Call to Action

Being familiar with nationwide emergency numbers and other important contacts is key to fast and effective action in dangerous situations. We encourage you to memorize the most important numbers, such as 112, 998, 999, and 997, as well as local contacts for animal patrol, municipal police, or psychological support services.

At the same time, it’s important to remember that emergency numbers are intended only for reporting real threats. Misusing them, for example by making false alarms or calling without genuine need, can lead to unnecessary engagement of emergency services and delays in helping those truly in need.

We appeal for responsible use of emergency numbers and thoughtful reaction in crisis situations. This way, emergency services can operate effectively, and we can all benefit from greater safety and the assurance that help will always arrive on time.

See also:

• Summer in the Countryside – A Holiday Adventure Close to Nature
• Sun, water, sand – how to protect your child from summer hazards?
• Safe bathing – rules for resting by the water with young children
• Traveling with a Child: Plane, Car, or Train – What to Choose and How to Prepare?
• Sunstroke in a child – symptoms and quick response