The short answer
Call 112 when there is an immediate threat to life, health, property or the environment. Use 1177 for non-emergency medical advice, 114 14 for police matters that do not require an urgent response and 113 13 for official information during a major accident or public crisis. Start by giving your exact location and follow the operator's questions.
112 is for immediate danger
The 112 centre can dispatch an ambulance, police, fire and other emergency resources when rapid intervention is needed.
Explain what happened, where you are and whether anyone is still in danger. Stay on the line until the operator says you can hang up.
Outside an emergency, learn how to use a Swedish health centre and 1177.
| In Swedish | What it means | When you use it |
|---|---|---|
| Det har hänt en olycka. | There has been an accident. | |
| Vi är på… | We are at… |
1177 for medical guidance
Call 1177 when you need help assessing symptoms or deciding where to seek care but there is no immediate threat to life.
A nurse may recommend self-care, a vårdcentral, an out-of-hours clinic or emergency department according to the circumstances.
If breathing becomes difficult, a condition deteriorates rapidly or life may be at risk, call 112 instead.
114 14 and 113 13 serve other needs
Use 114 14 to contact the police about reports, questions and cases that do not need an immediate patrol response.
The 113 13 line provides and collects verified information during serious accidents and crises affecting society.
Save all four numbers with a short note, and make sure family members understand that 112 is reserved for genuine emergencies.
Administrative questions go elsewhere
Emergency operators cannot handle routine applications. An employment move belongs with the rules on changing jobs under a Swedish work permit, not 112.
Likewise, preschool registration and policy questions go to the municipality; start with the Swedish-language preschool proposal.
Once an urgent dental issue is stable, check how Swedish dental support affects the cost. The SvenskaApp emergency unit helps you practise the essential facts to give quickly.
Sources
- SOS Alarm: 112 och andra viktiga nummer2026-09-18
Rules and processing times change. Check the official page for your own case before acting on anything here.
Questions people ask
- What number calls an ambulance in Sweden?
- Call 112 when immediate medical intervention is required.
- Should I call 1177 for a life-threatening emergency?
- No. 1177 provides non-emergency medical guidance; use 112 for immediate danger.
- What is the difference between 114 14 and 113 13?
- 114 14 reaches the police for non-urgent matters, while 113 13 provides information during major accidents and public crises.
Know someone who has just moved here?
