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How to Contact Emergency Services in South Africa

Author: Daniel Kuipers, ROCKET National Provider Relations Manager



Learn how to contact emergency services quickly and effectively in South Africa. From knowing the right numbers to giving clear information using the L.I.F.E.S.A.V.E.R. method, this guide will help you stay prepared when every second counts.


1. Know the Emergency Numbers

South Africa has separate numbers for different emergencies:

Service

Number

National Emergency (Ambulance, Police, Fire)

112 (from any cell phone)

Ambulance / Medical Emergency

10177

Police (Crime, Assault, etc.)

10111

Private Emergency 

Varies per provider

💡 Tip: Save these numbers to your phone and write them near your landline/office desk.

 

2. Stay Calm and Speak Clearly

When calling, speak slowly and clearly. Panic can delay help.

 

3. Provide Key Information

Use the L.I.F.E.S.A.V.E.R. method:

  • Location: Exact address, nearest landmarks or GPS coordinates

  • Incident Type: What has happened (e.g. car crash, shooting, house fire)

  • Fatalities or Injuries: Number and type (e.g. unconscious, bleeding, trapped)

  • Emergency Services Needed: Ambulance, Fire, Police – or all

  • Special Hazards: Fire, gas leak, violence, dangerous animals, etc.

  • Access: Gate codes, blocked roads, dogs, or obstacles

  • Victim Details: Age, gender, condition

  • Estimated Time of Incident: When it happened

  • Responder’s Contact: Your number in case they need to call back

 

4. Stay on the Line

  • Only hang up when instructed.

  • Follow instructions given by the operator.

  • They may guide you through basic first aid or how to assist the injured.

  • Ask for a reference number.

 

5. After the Call

  • If safe, send someone to guide responders to the exact scene.

  • Stay with the patient unless it's unsafe.

  • Keep your phone available for follow-up.

 

6. Important Notes

  • Do not prank call emergency lines. It’s illegal and delays real help.

  • Teach children when and how to call for help.

  • Use emergency numbers only when life, property, or safety is at risk.

 

Quick Scenario Practice

Scenario: You witness a car crash at night outside your home.

Call 112 and say:

"There’s a serious car crash on N1 Northbound near the Rivonia off-ramp. Two cars involved. One person is unconscious and trapped. We need an ambulance and rescue team. I’m standing on the bridge in a white shirt. My number is 083 123 4567.”


Learn how to contact emergency services quickly and effectively in South Africa. From knowing the right numbers to giving clear information using the L.I.F.E.S.A.V.E.R. method, this guide will help you stay prepared when every second counts.
EMS and HEMS response to an emergency

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