How to contact the emergency services in Ireland
If you find yourself in an emergency situation in Ireland鈥攚here someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk鈥攄颈补濒听999 or 112 from any phone, mobile or landline, to reach emergency services, including the police, the fire brigade, an ambulance, or the Irish Coast Guard. (In Ireland, the police force are called An Garda S铆och谩na or the 骋补谤诲补铆.) Calls to the emergency services are always free.
The 112 number works in all EU countries and Albania, Georgia, Moldova, Iceland, Montenegro, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.
If you have a hearing impairment and cannot make a voice call, you can text听112听in an emergency. This should only be used when it's not possible to make a voice call, for example, for people who are deaf or have a problem with speech.
There are 28 Emergency Departments on 28 hospital sites in Ireland.听Only call 112 or 999 in genuine emergencies. For example, when someone's life, health, property, or the environment is in danger. It's also important to make sure your children know who to call in an emergency.
For mental health emergencies, you can contact the on 116 123, day or night on their 24-hour free helpline.
When you get through to the emergency services, you will be asked to specify which emergency service you need, and you will also need to provide the following information:
- The exact address of the incident or emergency and/or any specific landmarks nearby鈥攊t is very helpful to give the if you know it.
- Directions to the scene of emergency.
- The phone number you're calling from (to call back if needed).
- details of what has happened, how many were involved, visible injuries, or knowledge of any pre-existing medical conditions.
If it is not a life-threatening emergency and you, or the person you are with, does not need immediate medical attention, consider other options before calling听112听or听999.
For example:
- Make your own way to听鈥攁rriving in an ambulance does not mean you'll be seen quicker
- Go to your local听鈥攆or injuries that are not life-threatening
- Visit or call your GP (doctor)
- Look after yourself or the patient at home. If you cannot stay at home, see if family or friends are able to help.
- Talk to your local pharmacist.
Read also Healthcare in Ireland
How to get hospital treatment for an accident or emergency in Ireland
When you move to a new area, it is always a good idea to find out where the nearest Accident & Emergency Department is, as not every hospital is equipped to handle emergencies.
Both public and some private hospitals in Ireland have Emergency Departments to deal with serious emergencies, which are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week (hours differ in private hospitals, however).
If you attend the emergency department of a public hospital or are taken there by ambulance, you will be prioritised based on your . Be prepared to wait for treatment if your injury or illness is not as urgent as others, since public hospitals prioritise their patients on the basis of medical need.
There is a standard emergency fee of 鈧�100 in a public hospital. However, the fee doesn't apply if you are referred by a GP. If you attend the emergency department of a private hospital, you will be charged the full cost of your medical care.听
If you are from the EU, you may get free medical treatment in emergencies if you have your (EHIC). This provides evidence that you are part of the EEA scheme and ensures you get treatment as quickly as possible. If you are from the UK, you don't require the European Health Insurance card.
Read also Travelling to Ireland
How to find a doctor in Ireland
Registering with a GP (General Practitioner or Doctor) should be your first port of call when you arrive in Ireland. The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides an to help you find a GP in your area. The fees for GP services in Ireland are not set, but on average, the charge for a consultation is 鈧�60 per visit.
GP out-of-hours service is available at night and on weekends for urgent medical care that cannot wait until a medical appointment. You have to make an appointment to use the out-of-hours service.
If you phone your GP outside normal working hours, you will usually get a recorded message with the contact details for your local GP out-of-hours service. The听听website also provides听
When you ring the GP out-of-hours service, you will first speak to a nurse about your symptoms. The nurse will clinically assess whether you need:
- Nursing advice over the phone.
- An appointment with a GP.
- A house call.
- A referral to the emergency department (A&E).
- An ambulance.
