Contacts in Spain – Spanish emergency services and other numbers
What to do in an emergency might not be your first thought when you consider setting up home in Spain. However, no-one plans an emergency and so it is vital to know what to do, and how to contact the Spanish emergency services, in the event of one.
Numbers for Spanish emergency services
The most important number to remember is 112, the Spanish emergency services number and their equivalent of 999. You should call this number if you urgently require medical assistance or the services of the fire brigade or police.
Other numbers to note:- Ambulance service – 061
- Fire service – 080
- Police – 091
- Duty pharmacies – 010
- Traffic police - 963 695 899
- Red Cross ambulance - 96 525 2525
If you are making your home in Spain you should also note that by law Spanish taxi drivers are obligated to transport medical emergencies to hospital when asked to do so. Any driver can also turn his vehicle into an ambulance if necessary. To do this you would switch on your hazard lights and fly a white piece of material from the window. Misuse of this system will result in a heavy fine.
You should not expect Spanish emergency services staff to speak English, although some may do. For this reason it is useful to learn at least a little of the language if you are moving to Spain. If there is a problem of communication try to be patient and speak as clearly as possible.
Setting up home in Spain – other useful contacts in Spain
BRITISH EMBASSY IN SPAINC/ Fernando el Santo, 16
28010 Madrid
Tel.: 91 700 82 00 - 91 319 0200
Fax: 91 700 82 72
Public Office Hours
Winter 09:00 – 13:30 and 15:00 – 18:00
Summer 08:30 – 15:00
E-mail:enquiries.madrid@fco.gov.uk
www.ukinspain.com
British Consular Emergency Service – 91 524 97 00
This is a message service which is available 24 hours a day. A representative should return the call within an hour.
Spanish Public Consumer Organisation
The Oficina Municipal de Informacion al Consumidor (OMIC) is the first port of call if you experience problems with tradesmen, suppliers or other traders after establishing a home in Spain. The OMIC was established to protect the rights of consumers through maintaining trading standards. Again, it may be worth having a Spanish speaker relate your complaint to them as there is no guarantee staff can speak English.OMIC offices are situated throughout the country. If you are moving to Spain you can find out the location of your nearest branch through the local town hall.It is obviously a priority to know how to contact Spanish emergency services if the need were to unfortunately crop up. There are other contacts in Spain that are worth knowing however and you will get to know more quickly after moving to your home in Spain.
