Emergency services in Monaco: who to call and when

When to call which number

Monaco has several emergency numbers, each routed to a different service. Knowing which one to call saves valuable time.

112 -- European emergency number

This is the universal number that works across all EU and EEA countries, including Monaco. It connects you to an operator who will transfer you to the right service. Use 112 when you are unsure which specific service you need, or when calling from a foreign mobile phone. It works even without a SIM card.

17 -- Police (Surete Publique)

Call 17 for any situation requiring police intervention:

• Crime in progress (theft, assault, break-in)
• Road accidents with no serious injury
• Suspicious behaviour or public disturbance
• Lost or stolen documents

Monaco's police force is the Surete Publique. Officers are present throughout the Principality and response times are typically very fast given Monaco's small size.

18 -- Fire brigade and medical emergency (Sapeurs-Pompiers)

Call 18 for:

• Fires
• Medical emergencies (heart attack, stroke, serious injury, breathing difficulty)
• Road accidents with injuries
• Rescue situations (trapped persons, water rescue)
• Hazardous material incidents

In Monaco, the fire brigade also serves as the primary emergency medical responder. They dispatch ambulances staffed with paramedics and, for serious cases, an emergency physician.

CHPG Hospital -- +377 97 98 99 00

The Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace is Monaco's only hospital. Its emergency department (urgences) operates around the clock. You can go directly to the emergency department for:

• Non-life-threatening conditions that cannot wait for a GP appointment
• Injuries, fractures, deep cuts
• Acute illness outside normal clinic hours

For genuinely life-threatening emergencies, always call 18 or 112 first rather than making your own way to the hospital. The ambulance crew can begin treatment immediately.

Specialist situations

Sea emergencies

For emergencies at sea, call 112 or contact the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) on VHF channel 16. Monaco's coastguard coordinates closely with French maritime rescue services.

Domestic violence

Victims of domestic violence can contact the Surete Publique on 17 at any time. Monaco also has social services that provide support -- contact the Direction de l'Action Sanitaire et Sociale through the government switchboard.

Poison control

There is no dedicated poison control centre in Monaco. Call the Marseille anti-poison centre at +33 4 91 75 25 25, which serves the region.

Tips for calling emergency services

• State your location first -- give the street name, building, or nearest landmark.
• Describe the situation briefly: what happened, how many people are affected, whether anyone is conscious and breathing.
• Stay on the line until the operator confirms they have all the information.
• Emergency operators primarily speak French. English is generally understood, but speak slowly and clearly.