Stay ready with these emergency contacts
When you move to France to study, it’s important to know the emergency numbers you may need in case of an accident, illness, or other urgent situation. Whether you’re living in Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse, or Montpellier, home to many of the Galileo Global Education campuses, these numbers are the same throughout France.
Emergency services in France
France has several emergency numbers depending on the type of situation. Here are the main ones:
Police Emergency Line: 17
Call this number to report a crime, theft, violence, or any situation requiring a rapid police response.
Fire Department: 18
Contact in case of fire, road accidents, flooding, or any life-threatening emergency. Firefighters also provide first aid assistance.
Medical Emergency (Ambulance): 15
This number connects you to medical assistance or dispatches an ambulance for urgent health issues (fainting, domestic accidents, serious injuries, etc.).
European Emergency Number (from a mobile phone): 112
Works across the entire European Union. You can dial this number for free from any mobile phone, even without a SIM card, and you’ll be connected to local emergency services.
Pro tip: Memorize 112 when traveling internationally – it will always connect you to a local emergency center.
As a student at one of Galileo Global Education’s schools in France, such as Paris School of Business, LISAA, or Cours Florent, you’ll be part of a supportive international community. However, it’s still crucial to be prepared for unexpected situations.
Medical assistance
Beyond life-threatening emergencies, several services are available for urgent medical care:
SOS Médecins Paris: 01 43 37 77 77
A network of doctors available 24/7 for home visits, useful if you are unable to travel.
SOS Dentists / Emergency Dental Care: 01 43 37 51 00
Specialized service for urgent dental issues, especially on weekends and public holidays.
Poison Control Center (Paris): 01 40 05 48 48
For any kind of poisoning: medication, household products, mushrooms, etc. Medical experts provide immediate guidance.
On-Duty Pharmacy: 3237
By calling this number (fee-based), you can locate the nearest open pharmacy. Available 24/7.
Public Hospital Emergency Rooms (AP-HP)
You can go to emergency rooms without an appointment in many public hospitals in Paris and across France. Wait times may be long, but care is guaranteed.
Other essential services
Gas Emergency (GRDF): 01 47 54 20 20
If you smell gas or suspect a leak, evacuate immediately and call this number.
Train Info (SNCF – All Stations): 36 35
Get information on schedules, delays, strikes, and options for refunds or ticket exchanges.
Lost & Found (City of Paris): 01 55 76 20 00
If you’ve lost an item in public transportation, on the street, or in a public place, contact this service to check if it’s been recovered.
Useful numbers for tourists:
Roadside Assistance (Highway emergency): 17 or SOS roadside booths
Paris Taxis: 01 45 30 30 30
Electricity Emergency (Enedis): 09 72 67 50 XX (replace XX with your department number)
Embassies and consulates
In case of lost or stolen passports, legal issues, or serious situations, contact your country’s embassy or consulate:
- United States Embassy in Paris: 01 43 12 22 22
- United Kingdom Embassy: 01 44 51 31 00
- Canadian Embassy: 01 44 43 29 00
- German Embassy: 01 53 83 45 00
They can provide you with temporary documents, legal support, or refer you to resources for help.
Extra tips
Save all these numbers in your phone under a dedicated “Emergency” contact list.
Keep a printed version in your wallet, in case your phone is inaccessible.
Download the “112 FR” app – it allows you to call emergency services and send your location.
Learn a few useful French phrases to describe an emergency. Example:
“I need an ambulance” → “J’ai besoin d’une ambulance”
What number should I call in case of a medical emergency in France?
If you're facing a serious health issue, dial 15 for medical assistance and ambulance services. You can also call 112, the European emergency number, from any mobile, even without a SIM card.
Are there emergency medical services available if I can’t go to the hospital?
Yes. SOS Médecins (01 43 37 77 77) provides 24/7 home visits. There's also an emergency dental service (01 43 37 51 00) for urgent dental care, especially on weekends and holidays.
What should I do if I lose my passport or need legal help as a foreign student?
Contact your embassy or consulate in France. They can help with lost or stolen documents, legal support, and access to resources. It’s also useful to save their contact numbers in your phone and keep a printed copy with you.
