Emergency Care on Weekends and Public Holidays

Where to find help when it matters

Fallen off your bike, stung by a hornet, or injured your back from lifting something too heavy? Health issues can arise quickly and unexpectedly. But where should you turn in a serious situation? We answer the most common questions about emergency care on weekends, public holidays, or at night.

What is a medical emergency?

A medical emergency is a situation in which there is an immediate danger to a person’s life or health. Common causes include accidents or sudden illnesses, such as a severe allergic reaction or a heart attack. Even illnesses like pneumonia, which may have been developing for some time but suddenly worsen, can become emergencies. Affected individuals need medical attention as quickly as possible, because prompt action can save lives. Until the ambulance arrives, family members, colleagues, or bystanders are often needed. This is when first aid skills become especially important.

Signs of an emergency:

Severe shortness of breath

Unconsciousness or stopped breathing

Accidents with serious injuries, such as visible broken bones

Sudden chest pain (possible sign of a heart attack)

Sudden speech problems or paralysis (possible signs of a stroke)

Uncontrollable bleeding

Severe burns

Cold skin, sweating, dizziness

Circulatory arrest: no palpable pulse

In a true medical emergency, every second counts: do not hesitate and call:

112

This number connects you to emergency services throughout Europe. Experienced staff will ask about the situation and decide which vehicle to send and whether a doctor should accompany it.

For urgent but non-life-threatening illnesses, call the free number:

116117

This number connects you 24/7 to the medical on-Calla service, which will provide the address of the nearest on-call practice. These are usually general practitioner offices, ensuring that outpatient medical care is available even at night or on weekends. Depending on the illness and situation, the on-call team may also come to your home.

Possible reasons to call 116117:

Persistent severe stomach or intestinal infections

Severe ear or throat pain

Back pain

Migraine

Cold with fever over 39 °C

Acute abdominal pain

Specialized emergency services

In addition to emergency services and on-call practices, there are other specialized services. It is good to know these as well.

Use the pharmacy on-call search from the Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists to find nearby pharmacies that are currently on duty: www.aponet.de/apotheke/notdienstsuche/

If you suspect that someone in your household has ingested something poisonous, call poison control immediately. If possible, provide information about the substance or plant and the amount consumed. A list of poison control centers can be found here.

Specialist practices, for example in ophthalmology or ENT, also offer help outside regular opening hours. More information about specialist emergency services in your area is also available via 116117.

Pediatric practices
If children become sick at night or on weekends, the on-call pediatric practice is the right contact. Here you can check which pediatric practice is responsible in your area or call 116117

Children and adolescents can receive free and anonymous consultation: 116 111

The parent hotline also offers free and anonymous advice for caregivers: 0800 111 0550

www.nummergegenkummer.de

A tooth knocked out during sports or an unbearable toothache over the weekend? The dental emergency service can help.

SBK Health Telephone

For any questions about your health, you can also call the SBK Health Phone. The medical expert team of our partner 4sigma provides consultation day and night, around the clock.

To SBK Health Telephone

What should be considered in an emergency?

In an emergency, it is important to remain calm and make the right decisions, especially if it is a genuine emergency. It is therefore best to prepare now and save all important telephone numbers directly in your cell phone. Alternatively, keep a list next to your telephone. This will save you having to search for numbers and allow you to respond immediately.

Stay with the person affected and administer first aid if possible. This includes, for example, placing them in the recovery position or applying a pressure bandage.