Emergency Situations: Beyond 112

You know to call 112 for medical emergencies. But what about a car accident? Stolen phone? Lost passport? Germany has a system for everything. Here's what you actually do.

1. Medical Emergency (112)

When to call: Chest pain, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, severe bleeding, suspected broken bone, suspected poisoning.

• Number: 112 (ambulance, fire, rescue)
• What to say: Your location, nature of emergency, number of people affected. Don't hang up. Stay on the line.
• Response: Ambulance arrives within 10-20 minutes in cities. Paramedics are excellent.
• Cost: Covered by your health insurance.

2. Car Accident

Step 1: Check for injuries. Call 112 if anyone is hurt.

Step 2: Turn on hazard lights. Place warning triangles 50m behind your car (required by law).

Step 3: Exchange details with other driver(s):

• Full name, phone, address
• Insurance company & policy number
• License plate, car make/model
• Driver's license number
• Photos: Damage, accident scene, road conditions

Step 4: If no injuries AND both cars drivable, you can settle it yourselves or call police (non-emergency line 110) to file a report.

Step 5: Report to your insurance company ASAP (within 24 to 48 hours).

3. Theft (Bike, Phone, Wallet, Passport)

Immediately: File a police report (Anzeige) at your local police station or online.

• What to bring: ID, description of the item, where/when it was stolen.
• Filing: Takes 15-30 minutes. You get a case number (Aktenzeichen).
• For insurance: Keep the police report. Insurance claims require it.
• Phone theft: Call your provider immediately to block the SIM. Report to police.
• Bike: Germany has registry for bikes. File report, file insurance claim if applicable.

4. Lost or Stolen Passport

Action: Report to your embassy/consulate IMMEDIATELY. Don't delay.

• Why: Someone can forge documents using your passport.
• Find your embassy: Google '[Your country] Embassy Berlin' (or your city).
• What they provide: Emergency travel document (valid for one trip home) or new passport (takes 1 to 2 weeks).
• Cost: €50 to 100+ depending on country.
• Also file: Police report in Germany (case number needed for some countries).

5. Lost Residence Permit (Aufenthaltstitel)

• File police report the same day and keep the incident number (Aktenzeichen).
• Email your local Ausländerbehörde with: passport copy, scan/photo of the lost permit (if available), police report number, and your address. Ask for a replacement appointment (Ersatzkarte/Neuerteilung).
• Carry passport + police report as interim proof if asked for ID until the new card arrives.

6. Lost Bank Card

Call immediately: 116 116 (German bank card blocking hotline). Available 24/7, free.

• What happens: Card is blocked within minutes. New card arrives in 1 week.
• For Revolut/online banks: Use their app to freeze card immediately.
• Fraud: Contact your bank if unauthorized charges appear. German law protects you.

7. Workplace Injury (Occupational Accident)

At work: Inform your supervisor IMMEDIATELY, even if it seems minor.

• Why: All workplace injuries are reportable to workers' compensation (Berufsgenossenschaft).
• Process: Your employer files a report. You receive a case number.
• Medical: Get treated at your doctor or hospital. Costs covered by workers' comp.
• Sick leave: If you can't work, you're compensated (70% of salary typically).
• Long-term: If injury causes permanent damage, you may receive additional compensation.

8. Police Non-Emergency (110)

Use 110 for: Theft reports, harassment, property damage (not life-threatening).

• Response time: 30 minutes to several hours depending on severity.
• Filing report: Free, required for insurance claims.
• Language: English speakers available in most stations, but bring a translation app.