Emergencies and First Aid: Numbers, Hospitals, and What to Do</h1>
Accidents, medical emergencies, sick children, burns, poisoning, psychological distress, or dental emergencies: do you know who to contact in Luxembourg and how to respond quickly?
In an emergency, every minute counts. This guide provides you with essential phone numbers, available emergency services, the right steps to take, and the resources to turn to depending on your situation.
Emergencies: What Expats Need to Know
- Dial 112 for any medical emergency or life-threatening situation.
- Pediatric emergencies are handled 24 hours a day at the KannerKlinik at the CHL.
- The Poison Control Center can be reached 24 hours a day at 8002 5500.
- Medical centers provide consultations outside of regular office hours but do not replace emergency services.
- On-call pharmacies allow you to obtain medications outside of regular business hours.
- In cases of psychological distress or suicide risk, specialized services are available 24 hours a day.
How should you respond to an emergency?
In the event of a medical emergency, it’simportant to act quickly while staying calm. The first few minutes can be critical in limiting the consequences of an accident or saving a life.
The three essential steps
- Protect: Secure the accident scene to prevent further accidents.
- Alert: Contact the appropriate emergency services.
- Assist: Administer first aid if you know how.
When you call for help, always provide:
- your name;
- the exact location of the emergency;
- the number of people involved;
- the symptoms or injuries observed;
- any potential hazards at the scene.
Emergency Numbers in Luxembourg
| Situation | Number |
|---|---|
| Medical emergency, accident, fire | 112 |
| Police | 113 |
| Poison Control Center | 8002 5500 |
| Missing Children | 116,000 |
| SOS Distress | 454545 |
When should you call 112?
112 is the European emergency number. It is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call 112 immediately in the following situations:
- loss of consciousness;
- cardiac arrest;
- severe chest pain;
- suspected stroke;
- severe breathing difficulties;
- traffic accident with injuries;
- severe burns;
- suicide attempt;
- severe poisoning;
- medical emergency at night.
Emergencies: Important
Don’t wait for a situation to worsen before contacting emergency services. If you’re unsure whether a medical situation is urgent, calling 112 will help direct you to the appropriate service.
Where should you go in the event of a medical emergency?
Depending on your situation, you may be directed to a hospital emergency department, a medical center, or an on-call doctor.
The main hospital emergency departments are provided by:
- the Luxembourg Hospital Center (CHL);
- Kirchberg Hospital;
- the Émile Mayrisch Hospital (CHEM);
- the Centre Hospitalier du Nord (CHdN).
Check out our comprehensive guide to hospitals, maternity wards, and clinics in Luxembourg.
Pediatric Emergency Services
The KannerKlinik at the CHL provides pediatric emergency care for children and adolescents up to age 15.
It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and serves as the national referral center for many pediatric emergencies.
Address: 4 rue Ernest Barblé, L-1210 Luxembourg.
Medical centers: when should you visit them?
Medical centers provide consultations outside of regular doctor’s office hours.
They are appropriate when your condition requires prompt attention but is not a life-threatening emergency.
Check out our guide to doctors and medical centers in Luxembourg.
Dental emergencies
A dental on-call service is available at the CHL on weekends and holidays.
Dental emergencies include, in particular:
- acute pain;
- severe infections;
- dental trauma;
- accidents involving the teeth.
Poison Control Center
The Luxembourg Poison Control Center is available 24 hours a day at 8002 5500.
Contact them in the event of:
- ingestion of household products;
- medication poisoning;
- exposure to toxic substances;
- carbon monoxide poisoning;
- if you have concerns about a potentially hazardous product.
Keep the product in question nearby so you can provide the specialist with relevant information.
Psychological Emergencies and Suicide Risk
Psychological distress can also constitute an emergency.
If there is an immediate risk of suicide or danger to a person, call 112.
Specialized services are also available to support people experiencing psychological distress or their loved ones.
Check out our comprehensive guide to mental health in Luxembourg.
On-Call Pharmacies
On-call pharmacies allow you to obtain medications outside of regular business hours.
They provide essential continuity of service during urgent treatment or after being discharged from the emergency room.
Check out our guide to on-call pharmacies and drugstores in Luxembourg.
Luxembourg Air Rescue (LAR)
Luxembourg Air Rescue carries out helicopter rescue missions and medical evacuations.
The organization carries out several thousand rescue missions each year in Luxembourg and internationally.
Members are eligible for medical repatriation services in accordance with the terms of their membership.
Checklist: What to Do in an Emergency?
- Secure the area.
- Quickly assess the situation.
- Call the appropriate service.
- Provide your exact location.
- Administer first aid if possible.
- Follow the instructions given by emergency responders.
- Have relevant medical information ready.
Medical emergencies should be reported to 112. For issues related to public safety, lost items, matters involving the Grand Ducal Police, or official alerts, consult our guide on Police, Safety, and Useful Numbers in Luxembourg.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in an Emergency
- Waiting too long before calling emergency services.
- Going to the emergency room for a non-urgent situation.
- Failing to clearly provide the address of the incident.
- Moving a victim unnecessarily.
- Forgetting to mention known medical conditions or allergies.
Emergencies: At a Glance
Luxembourg has an efficient emergency response system that is accessible to everyone. In the event of a medical emergency, dial 112 immediately. For less serious situations, medical centers, on-call doctors, and on-call pharmacies can provide prompt and appropriate care.
Expatriates and newcomers should save the main emergency numbers in their phones as soon as they settle in so they can respond quickly if needed.
Medical Emergency or Safety Issue?
Medical emergencies fall under the jurisdiction of 112, while situations related to public safety, criminal offenses, traffic accidents without injuries, lost items, or matters involving the Grand Ducal Police fall under the jurisdiction of other services.
Find useful numbers, contacts for the Grand Ducal Police, the e-Police Station, alert systems, and practical advice in our guide to Police, Safety, and Useful Numbers in Luxembourg.
FAQ: Emergencies and First Aid in Luxembourg
What number should you call in case of an emergency in Luxembourg?
The European emergency number is 112. It connects you to emergency services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for any medical emergency, fire, or serious accident.
Is 112 free?
Yes. Calling 112 is free from a landline or cell phone, even if you have no credit or an inactive service plan.
When should you call an ambulance?
You should call an ambulance in the event of severe illness, loss of consciousness, severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, an accident with injuries, or any life-threatening situation.
Where should you take a sick child in an emergency?
The KannerKlinik at the CHL is the national center of excellence for pediatric emergencies. In the event of a serious emergency, call 112 first.
What should you do in case of poisoning?
Contact the Poison Control Center immediately at 8002 5500. Keep the product in question nearby so you can provide the necessary information.
Are there on-call doctors in Luxembourg?
Yes. Medical centers provide on-call services outside of regular office hours for situations that require prompt consultation but do not constitute a life-threatening emergency.
What should you do in the event of a psychological emergency?
In case of immediate danger or a risk of suicide, call 112. For psychological support, several specialized services are available in Luxembourg.
How can I find a pharmacy open at night or on the weekend?
A pharmacy on duty is designated every day in Luxembourg. Visit our page dedicated to pharmacies and on-duty pharmacies to find out which one is open.
Further Information
Articles in the category Health – Wellness
Swimming Pools, Spas, and Wellness Centers in Luxembourg
A guide to swimming pools, spas, saunas, and aquatic centers in Luxembourg—perfect for swimming, relaxing, or enjoying a family outing.
Healthcare System: Health Insurance, CNS, Doctors, Reimbursements, and Procedures
A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the Luxembourg Healthcare System: CNS procedures, doctor's appointments, reimbursement, emergencies, and practical advice for newcomers.
Help, Support, and Inclusion in Luxembourg: Services to Support You
A guide to support and assistance services in Luxembourg for families, young people, and individuals facing difficulties or with disabilities.