What to do and Who to call during an emergency in Estonia

Emergency in Estonia right now? Call 112. The national number reaches Police, ambulance and fire or rescue services. Tell the operator exactly where you are and what happened. For important state and crisis information that is not an emergency, call 1247. If someone is unconscious, has severe breathing difficulty, faces violence or is trapped in a dangerous situation, call 112 immediately.

This guide is for residents, students, visitors and people helping others in Tallinn, Tartu, Pärnu, Narva, islands such as Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, and Estonia’s rural areas. First come the useful contacts and seven immediate actions; the detailed sections explain poison exposure, non-urgent medical advice, family safety, extreme cold, floods, hazardous chemicals, evacuation and Estonia’s emergency warning system. Includes the Rescue Services Agency’s new official 5 November 2026 announcement that Cell Broadcast remains in testing and is planned for 2027.

Quick answer: the main emergency and advice numbers in Estonia

112 — Police, ambulance and fire/rescue: nationwide urgent response for threats to life, health, safety, property and the environment. For a serious event, make this call first.
1247 — State helpline: 24-hour government information on non-immediate crisis and state-service questions, including what the public should do during major disruptions. Do not use it as a replacement for 112 when someone needs rescuers.
1220 — Family Doctor Advice Line: health advice when you are unsure whether non-emergency treatment is needed or the family doctor is unavailable. It is not an emergency ambulance number.
16662 — Poisoning Advice Line: specialist guidance for suspected poisoning or exposure to hazardous substances. If someone loses consciousness, has seizures or is not breathing normally, call 112.
1343 — power-cut reporting: the state emergency-preparedness directory’s number for reporting electricity outages; urgent electrocution or fire needs 112.
116 111 — Lasteabi / Child Helpline: support for children and adults worried about a child’s safety, available continuously.
116 006 — victim support (Ohvriabi): help for people affected by violence or crime; urgent violent threats require 112.
EE-ALARM — national public warning system: alerts through existing channels such as sirens, SMS, government apps, official websites and ERR media. Cell Broadcast is still in testing in November 2026.

The Ministry of Social Affairs confirms 112, 1220 and 16662 at Emergency Care and Ambulance Services. The government’s Ole valmis! Helplines lists the state helpline and specialist services. Keep the urgent 112 number separate from routine information or counselling.

First 60 seconds: seven useful actions

Make yourself safer where possible. Stay away from fire, traffic, violent threats, fast-moving floodwater, electrical cables, dangerous cold exposure and unstable structures. Do not create another casualty.
Call 112. Explain if you need ambulance, police, fire or another urgent rescue service. If several services are needed, state the full incident.
Give your precise location first. Name the town or municipality, street, building, apartment and entrance. In a rural or coastal area, give the village, road, harbour or landmark.
Describe the emergency briefly. ‘One person collapsed’, ‘smoke is filling the corridor’, or ‘someone is being assaulted’ helps dispatch understand the priority.
Count people who need help. Say who is unconscious, not breathing normally, bleeding, trapped or at risk.
Follow the call-taker’s directions. Answer questions, remain reachable and use suitable first aid or move only as safe or instructed.
Help responders find the correct access. When safe, ask a helper to wait at the right building entrance, farm gate, road junction or beach access point.

A concise English report: ‘Ambulance, please. One person has collapsed at [street and number], [town], third floor, apartment [number]. The person is not responding. Use the side entrance. My telephone number is [number].’ If you only know a landmark, say so honestly and ask the operator which other details would help.

112 and 1247: do not confuse urgent dispatch with state advice

112 is the number to use for a person in immediate danger, serious fire, violent attack or other urgent incident. The state helpline 1247 is for information when the caller does not need an ambulance, police or firefighters sent to the scene. During an extended outage or large disaster, it can provide information on state arrangements and appropriate next steps.

Estonia’s Rescue Services Agency prominently displays both numbers on its official website: Rescue Services — 112 and 1247. The national emergency preparedness directory also lists local and international access formats for certain services. A person abroad who learns that somebody in Estonia needs urgent care should not assume that dialling 112 overseas reaches Estonia; it generally connects to emergency services in the country where the caller is.

If the incident is current and dangerous, report it to 112 through a working phone in Estonia or ask a trusted person physically in the country to do so. Do not use 1247 as a workaround to avoid calling rescue dispatch in a life-threatening event.

Life-threatening medical emergencies

A person is unconscious or cannot breathe normally

Dial 112 for unconsciousness, severe breathing difficulty, chest pain suggesting a heart attack, signs of stroke, significant bleeding, major trauma, anaphylaxis or another urgent threat to life. Tell the operator what is actually happening rather than a guessed diagnosis. The operator may offer guidance for CPR or locating and using an automated external defibrillator (AED).

If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, follow dispatcher guidance and appropriate first-aid training. Ask a safe second helper to retrieve an AED where available and guide the ambulance to the patient. Do not give food or water to someone unconscious or unable to swallow. Avoid moving someone with serious injuries unnecessarily unless the immediate surroundings present a further threat.

The Ministry of Social Affairs says that all people in Estonia have the right to emergency medical care and that ambulance services are provided without a charge to the patient. Do not delay a necessary 112 call over an insurance question. Source: Estonian emergency medical care rights.

A stable symptom or non-emergency health question

The national 1220 Family Doctor Advice Line is useful for routine or non-emergency symptoms when a person is unsure where to seek healthcare, the family physician is unavailable, or home-care advice is appropriate. The Government distinguishes these needs from immediately dangerous conditions, such as major injury or severe breathing difficulties, which need 112.

The official national portal was updated in July 2026 and gives examples of routine versus acute health concerns. Its poison-advice number is also included. See Estonia state portal — family doctor and urgent-care choices.

Poisoning or suspected toxic exposure: 16662

Call 16662 for poisoning advice when a child or adult may have swallowed too much medicine, encountered a cleaning substance or been exposed to a toxic chemical. The poisoning advisers can ask about the product, concentration, amount, route of exposure, time and symptoms. Keep the label or container nearby if it is safe to do so.

Do not induce vomiting or offer an improvised home antidote. A person affected by dangerous fumes should be moved away from the exposure when safe, without creating another poisoned person. If the person is unconscious, severely injured, having seizures or not breathing normally, call 112 immediately rather than trying to resolve the event through a routine poison advice conversation.

The Estonian Ministry of Social Affairs lists the poisoning line as 16662, and the preparedness portal provides the international format +372 794 3794 for calling the poison information service from abroad. In an actual Estonian emergency, 112 remains the direct ambulance route. Official details: poisoning information and helpline directory.

Fire, smoke and buildings: call 112

If a fire is spreading in an apartment, house, workplace, boat or warehouse, raise the alarm where safe, leave via a safe route and call 112. Avoid lifts during an active fire unless firefighters direct otherwise, close doors behind you when safe and do not return for documents, bags or valuables. If trapped by smoke, tell dispatch the exact floor, room, staircase or nearest window.

In Tallinn or Tartu apartments, entrances may be identified by a building or stairwell number. On a remote island, road or farmhouse, name the municipality, village, closest drivable road and gate. Firefighters need to know which entrance is accessible and if someone is missing or trapped. Do not enter thick smoke to verify a detail.

For a suspected gas leak, chemical spill or industrial incident, avoid sparks and open flames near the source, move to safety and report the hazard. In some incidents authorities may instruct people to shelter indoors and close ventilation, while an indoor fire may require leaving. Follow the actual emergency operator’s guidance.

Violent threats, crime in progress and police assistance

Call 112 for an assault, armed threat, violence against someone, serious robbery in progress or other incident where police intervention is urgently needed. Move away when safe, report the location, what you saw and any injuries or weapons actually observed. Do not pursue an offender to take photographs or collect identification.

For non-urgent reporting after an incident has ended and there is no immediate threat, the Police and Border Guard Board provides ordinary reporting and information processes. The victim support helpline 116 006 can help someone affected by violence or crime with longer-term support. It should not delay contacting 112 during an ongoing attack.

Child protection and victim support: 116111 and 116006

Estonia’s Lasteabi 116 111 is a continuous helpline for children, families and adults who need guidance about a child’s welfare, neglect, abuse or safety. It can help someone report a concern or seek appropriate support. When a child is in immediate physical danger or critically injured, use 112 first.

The Ohvriabi 116 006 victim support line helps people experiencing or recovering from physical, emotional, economic or sexual violence, abuse or other crime-related harm. It is also available continuously. A survivor may need both immediate protection by police and ongoing support after the situation becomes safe.

The government preparedness directory and UNHCR’s Estonia information confirm these services: Ole valmis! contact directory and UNHCR Estonia emergency and safeguarding contacts.

Estonia’s EE-ALARM: what works in November 2026

EE-ALARM is Estonia’s national public-warning system. Existing warning channels include SMS messages, emergency sirens, the official Eesti app, the Ole valmis! application, public media and the government websites kriis.ee and olevalmis.ee. The Rescue Services Agency held a nationwide test on 14 October 2026, activating sirens and sending SMS and app notices.

During the test, SMS messages reached approximately one million devices within 17 minutes. The sirens were activated across the system and the authorities evaluated their audibility, including in smaller towns. The Eesti app, Ole valmis! app and ERR media channels displayed notices. The next nationwide test was scheduled for 10 February 2027. See Rescue Services Agency, 14 October 2026.

Important: Cell Broadcast is not fully operational yet

On 5 November 2026, Estonia’s Rescue Services Agency announced that its new EE-ALARM Cell Broadcast capability entered technical testing. The authority said test alerts may appear on some Android devices and that wider testing with operators Elisa, Tele2 and Telia would continue. The service is planned to become operational in spring 2027, subject to the necessary testing and mobile operating-system support.

Therefore a guide dated November 2026 should not claim that Estonia already delivers its standard EE-ALARM warnings as a fully functioning national Cell Broadcast system. The existing SMS, app, siren and media channels are available; Cell Broadcast is an additional technology being introduced. People should keep phones updated and follow the authorities’ official announcement about supported devices.

The new feature is intended to display location-targeted alerts prominently on compatible phones, often with vibration and an audible signal even when a phone is silent. During tests, a message marked TEST does not mean an actual emergency has occurred. The authoritative source is Estonian Rescue Services Agency — Cell Broadcast testing, 5 November 2026.

When the siren sounds: Estonia’s shelter-first approach

The Rescue Services Agency’s October 2026 guidance is explicit: when a public-warning siren sounds unexpectedly, seek shelter immediately where you are. Go inside a suitable building, stay away from windows and follow further official instructions. Do not go out to film the sirens, take photographs or search for the cause before making yourself safer.

Shelter does not automatically mean your current building is always safe from every hazard. If a fire is inside the building, evacuation by a safe route may be necessary. If the authorities instruct people to move from a flooded area, follow those directions. For public-warning sirens, the immediate default is to get shelter and obtain real information. Official explanation: Rescue Services Agency — sheltering during EE-ALARM tests.

A chemical release, toxic smoke or unknown industrial incident

If a dangerous chemical release affects a neighbourhood, moving outdoors or opening windows may increase exposure. Follow official alerts about sheltering or evacuation. When instructed to stay inside, close doors and windows, stop mechanical ventilation drawing from outside and remain in a safer internal part of the building. Do not go toward the source of an unusual odour to identify it.

An industrial spill can also contaminate water or soil. Keep away from an affected site and heed restrictions on drinking water or local products until authorities provide reliable information. If a person has severe breathing difficulty, loses consciousness or has other emergency symptoms, call 112 from a safer place and tell the operator about possible contamination.

Floods, coastal storms and dangerous water

Estonia has low-lying coastal areas, islands, rivers and urban drainage networks that can be affected by storms, high water or local flooding. Avoid driving into a submerged underpass, crossing floodwater or standing near unstable riverbanks. Water can hide damaged road surfaces, open drains and electrical hazards. Use official road closures and evacuation instructions.

When authorities direct evacuation, follow approved routes before conditions worsen. Do not enter a flooded basement to retrieve a car or switch off electricity while standing in water. If someone is trapped or injured, call 112 and give their exact address, floor and safe access route.

High winds can also damage roofing, trees and power cables. Stay clear of fallen wires and report dangerous outages through the appropriate utility contact or emergency service. For routine electricity cuts, the national preparedness directory lists 1343; when a person has been electrocuted or fire has started, use 112.

Extreme cold, blizzards and prolonged outages

Estonian winters can make heating, water and transport interruptions dangerous. Severe snow, freezing rain and wind may block roads, cut electricity or prevent normal deliveries. Avoid travelling into closed roads, unstable ice or exposed areas during significant warnings. If somebody has severe hypothermia symptoms, collapses or needs urgent care, call 112.

A household that depends on electricity for heating, medical equipment, cooking or communications needs a practical backup plan. Keep safe warm clothing, a flashlight, a powered phone, necessary medication and food. Never operate a charcoal grill, petrol generator or other fuel-burning appliance indoors or in an enclosed garage because of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Estonia recommends one week of household preparedness

Estonia’s official Ole valmis! programme recommends being able to manage independently at home for at least one week during disruptions to electricity, water, heating or shops. It encourages keeping everyday supplies in rotation rather than buying an unnecessarily elaborate emergency kit. A family’s plan should account for infants, pets, older adults, disability and essential medicines.

The government preparedness guide suggests maintaining at least one day of drinking water on hand, approximately three litres per person, while planning how to obtain enough safe water over a week. It also recommends suitable food for at least seven days, a battery or crank radio, lighting, power banks, medication, cash and necessary household supplies.

An emergency kit is not a reason to stay in a building where officials have ordered immediate evacuation. In a threatened area, the preparedness agency advises using official safe routes and taking essential documents, medicines and suitable supplies for relocation. See Ole valmis! — one-week emergency supplies and official evacuation guidance.

When to evacuate and what to bring

The Estonian government’s evacuation guidance says evacuation orders are issued only when a serious, immediate danger warrants them. If such an order applies, follow it promptly and use the officially recommended route. Do not take a shortcut through an area that is flooded, closed or otherwise unsafe merely because a navigation app continues to show the road.

A personal evacuation bag should include important medication, identity documents, phone and charger, accessible cash or payment means, clothing appropriate to the season, drinking water, suitable food and specific supplies for children or mobility needs. The agency suggests at least one day of provisions per person, ideally three days, for evacuation. Leave bulky items behind when carrying them would delay safe movement.

Safer road travel and sea or ice accidents

In a serious road crash with injury, vehicle fire or people trapped, call 112. Give the main road or highway, direction, nearest exit or junction, town, village and any nearby kilometre marker. Do not stand in moving traffic to record video or gather information. If someone is critically injured, avoid moving them unnecessarily unless the scene creates immediate danger.

Coastal or inland-water incidents can involve strong currents, cold shock or unstable ice. Do not enter dangerous water or step onto unsafe ice to attempt an untrained rescue. Call 112, provide the exact beach, harbour, island, lake or river and the nearest suitable emergency-vehicle access. Preserve a known safe location to guide responders.

Useful Estonian emergency phrases

‘Appi!’ — Help!
‘Vajan kiirabi.’ — I need an ambulance.
‘Tulekahju!’ — Fire!
‘Kutsuge politsei.’ — Call the police.
‘Inimene on teadvuseta.’ — A person is unconscious.
‘Ta ei hinga normaalselt.’ — They are not breathing normally.
‘Aadress on…’ — The address is…
‘Kas te räägite inglise keelt?’ — Do you speak English?
‘Oleme … juures.’ — We are near…

If you do not speak Estonian, use the clearest language possible and give the location in short pieces. Operators’ language capabilities and interpretation arrangements may vary, so a written address or the name of a local landmark can help. A safe bystander may assist with a place name, but do not delay the emergency call to find perfect wording.

How to report your location accurately

County and locality: maakond, linn or vald, followed by the town, village or area.
Street: tänav, road and building or house number.
Apartment: floor, unit, staircase and the entrance facing the road.
Road: main road number or recognised name, direction and nearest junction.
Island or coast: island, pier, harbour, beach or safe landing point.
Forest or water: trail, bridge, lake, river, nearby road or verified GPS coordinates.
Callback: working number and whether battery, connectivity or access is unreliable.

A practical household and visitor safety checklist

Save 112 Emergency, 1247 State Helpline and 1220 Family Doctor Advice with distinct labels.
Add the poisoning number 16662, power outage 1343 and safeguarding contacts when relevant.
Write the address, county, village, building entrance and closest landmark.
Find your building’s fire exits, a safer sheltering space and an outdoor meeting point if evacuation is ordered.
Learn the available EE-ALARM channels; remember Cell Broadcast is still in testing until the planned 2027 launch.
Keep at least a week of food and essentials with a safe water supply plan and medication.
Prepare a charged power bank, flashlight, radio or other official information method during outages.
Discuss who assists children, elderly relatives, pets and people relying on electricity or mobility equipment.

Common mistakes to avoid

Calling 1247 for a person who is unconscious or threatened by violence, rather than using 112.
Assuming EE-ALARM Cell Broadcast is already fully operational nationwide in November 2026; official testing began on 5 November.
Treating an EE-ALARM siren as a reason to walk outside and photograph the danger instead of promptly sheltering.
Using the family doctor line 1220 as an ambulance dispatch service for life-threatening symptoms.
Assuming the poison advice line 16662 sends an emergency medical crew to an unresponsive patient.
Driving through floodwater, stepping on dangerous ice or entering a smoke-filled building for possessions.
Believing a phone’s map location automatically identifies the correct floor, flat or road access.
Waiting to locate a hotel manager or insurer before calling 112 during immediate danger.

Frequently asked questions

What is Estonia’s nationwide emergency number?

112 is the urgent number for ambulance, police, fire and rescue. The Rescue Services Agency and Health Ministry confirm its use.

What is 1247 used for?

1247 is the state information and non-emergency helpline. It should not replace 112 when someone needs police, firefighters or an ambulance urgently.

What should I call if I am uncertain whether I need a doctor?

Call 1220 for Family Doctor Advice when the condition is not immediately life-threatening. Call 112 for collapse, major injury or severe breathing difficulty.

Is EE-ALARM’s Cell Broadcast system already operating in Estonia?

As of 6 November 2026, Cell Broadcast is in technical testing, with operational launch planned for spring 2027. Existing warning channels including SMS, sirens, Eesti and Ole valmis! apps and ERR media are already in use.

How many days of supplies does Estonia recommend?

The Ole valmis! programme advises at least one week of basic household self-reliance, including food, water planning, medication, warmth and communication backup.

When should I evacuate during a major incident?

Follow a serious official evacuation order immediately along approved routes. During an unexpected general public-warning siren, the Rescue Services Agency generally instructs people to seek immediate shelter and then follow specific official information.

Official Estonia sources and nearby guides

Editorial safety note: This guide cannot dispatch assistance or replace current emergency operators and official warning messages. Cell Broadcast deployment status is specific to the Rescue Services Agency’s 5 November 2026 update and may change. Information checked 6 November 2026. If anyone faces immediate danger in Estonia, call 112 now.