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

Emergency in Finland right now? Dial 112. It is Finland’s general emergency number for urgent ambulance, police, fire and rescue, social emergencies and serious threats to life, health, property or the environment. 112 is also the emergency number in Åland, although its alarm centre and healthcare arrangements are separate. Tell the operator the municipality and precise address or verifiable outdoor location. Make the call now if someone is in immediate danger.

This guide covers Helsinki, Espoo, Tampere, Turku, Oulu, Lapland, rural communities, the lakes and Åland. It starts with fast action and numbers, then explains urgent medical advice, poisoning, fires, winter travel, ice and water emergencies, public warning sirens, home preparedness and the new FI-Alert warning service introduced on 1 November 2026. Finland’s official sources were checked on 6 November 2026.

Quick answer: emergency and support numbers in Finland

112 — immediate emergency: ambulance, police, firefighters, urgent social services or rescue when life, health, property or the environment is at risk. Free to call.
116 117 — Medical Helpline: non-life-threatening urgent medical advice, available around the clock through the Finnish wellbeing services counties, except Åland. The helpline is for deciding whether you need urgent care or home guidance; call 112 for a life-threatening event.
0800 147 111 — Poison Information Center: national 24-hour specialist advice on suspected poisoning, medicines, chemicals, mushrooms, plants, animal bites and similar toxic exposures.
09 471 977 — alternative Poison Information Center number: another published telephone route to the same specialist service.
0295 419 800 — Police Customer Service Helpline: non-urgent matters such as identity documents, police reports and permits, during its published weekday office hours, not urgent dispatch.
Åland’s urgent health-advice number 018 535 117: local Åland Health and Medical Care (ÅHS) advice for symptoms that are not immediately life-threatening. The mainland 116 117 does not serve Åland.
112 emergency SMS: an alternative in certain circumstances when speaking or hearing is not possible, using a SIM from a Finnish mobile operator. A normal voice call is best when safe and possible.

The official Suomi.fi emergency call guide confirms 112 and its accessible options. The 2026 Medical Helpline site confirms the mainland service and Åland exclusion; Åland’s official newcomer service confirms local 112 and 018 535 117.

First 60 seconds: seven steps to get the right help

Check immediate danger. Move away from fire, smoke, traffic, violent threats, unstable ice, falling debris or dangerous water if possible. Do not become another casualty.
Call 112 yourself if possible. Tell the operator what kind of emergency is occurring. Do not spend time finding a separate police, ambulance or fire number.
Give the exact location. State the city or municipality, street, building, floor or apartment. In a forest, lake or wilderness region, provide a trail, road access, named hut or reliable map coordinates.
Describe what has happened in one sentence. ‘Someone has collapsed’ or ‘a house is on fire’ is a clear beginning.
State the number of people involved and their condition. Mention unconsciousness, abnormal breathing, severe bleeding, people trapped or any ongoing safety hazard.
Follow instructions and remain on the call. Answer questions and do not end the call before the operator permits you to do so.
Guide responders to a safe approach. If possible, ask another person to meet emergency crews at the correct gate, entrance, trailhead, pier or road junction.

A useful English script: ‘Ambulance, please. One adult is unconscious at [street number and road], [municipality], fourth floor, apartment 14. Use the south entrance. My callback number is [number].’ In Finnish: ‘Tarvitsen ambulanssin. Yksi henkilö on tajuton. Osoite on…’ The location is more important than a long history of symptoms.

How the 112 Emergency Response Centre works

When you call 112, an emergency operator assesses whether you need police, fire, ambulance, social emergency or another urgent authority. The call-taker asks where the situation is, what happened, who is at risk and which immediate actions are possible. You should answer the questions, follow directions and hang up only when instructed. If the situation changes, make another report or update the emergency centre.

The national emergency service is free to call and does not require a dialling prefix. The official Finnish Police explains that you should make a call even if you are not certain whether a possible urgent danger is serious. However, 112 is not for routine questions about power cuts, traffic congestion or the progress of an administrative case. Official sources: Finnish Police 112 guidance and Suomi.fi call instructions.

112 in Åland: the same number, separate local arrangements

Åland is an autonomous, Swedish-speaking region of Finland. Its emergency number is also 112, but the Åland alarm centre and local services operate under their own arrangements rather than the mainland Emergency Response Centre Agency’s standard network. A person living in or visiting Mariehamn should still call 112 during a life-threatening event.

The mainland 116 117 Medical Helpline excludes Åland. Åland Health and Medical Care provides a separate medical information line, 018 535 117, for symptoms that are not immediately life-threatening, and the local service directory also lists other healthcare routes. This distinction prevents a misleading universal claim about urgent medical advice. See Åland Living — health services and emergency contacts and Suomi.fi 116117 coverage updated September 2026.

112 versus 116 117: when to request an ambulance

A person is unconscious, not breathing normally or seriously injured

Use 112 if a person is not responding, has severe breathing difficulty, major bleeding, suspected stroke, serious chest pain, a seizure or major trauma, or if another condition threatens immediate health or life. Report what you observe rather than trying to identify a specific diagnosis. Dispatchers may provide medical first-aid instructions.

If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, follow the operator’s instructions for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use of an AED if available. Ask a second helper to retrieve a defibrillator or meet emergency crews. Do not give food, drink or pills to someone unconscious or unable to swallow. After a major injury, avoid unnecessary movement unless the current location creates further danger.

An urgent medical question but not a life-threatening emergency

The 116 117 medical helpline guides patients with an urgent healthcare problem, especially outside their normal clinic hours. A nurse or healthcare professional can assess whether a visit to an emergency department is necessary and give suitable self-care instructions when appropriate. It operates around the clock across Finland except Åland, with some regional differences in service handling.

If a person’s condition suddenly becomes severe or life-threatening, leave the routine advice pathway and call 112. The service itself says to call 116117 before going to emergency care for a non-life-threatening urgent condition. Official detailed information: Medical Helpline 116117.

Poisoning: 0800 147 111, 24 hours

Finland’s Poison Information Center operates nationally around the clock. For a suspected poisoning, contact 0800 147 111 (freephone) or 09 471 977. Experts can assess possible exposure to medications, chemicals, plants, mushrooms and other toxic substances. They will ask what the substance is, the quantity, timing and symptoms. It is useful to keep packaging or a product label when safe.

Do not induce vomiting or give an improvised antidote. The Centre’s official advice says to rinse the mouth after a suspected ingestion and contact poison experts for an assessment. For eye or skin exposure, prompt rinsing and professional advice may be necessary. A person who collapses, has severe breathing difficulty, a seizure or another life-threatening symptom needs 112 first. See HUS Poison Information Center — first aid and 24-hour numbers.

Fire in a home, hotel, factory or shopping centre

If there is a dangerous fire or smoke, activate the alarm where appropriate, warn people and move to a safe exit. Call 112 and give the building address, entrance, floor and what is burning. Avoid ordinary lifts during an active fire unless firefighters direct otherwise. Close doors behind you if safe and do not return for belongings.

If the hallway or staircase is full of smoke, do not assume it is passable. Move to a safer protected location if available, tell the operator the exact room, floor and nearest access point, and follow the rescue service’s directions. A high-rise, apartment, hotel or industrial building has its own fire plan; do not replace that with an untested generic escape instruction.

If chemicals, gas cylinders, industrial equipment or large batteries may be involved, report what is known without approaching the area to confirm. Firefighters may need specialised equipment and a safe approach. Never enter a hazardous smoke cloud to investigate its colour or source.

Violent incidents, crime in progress and police emergencies

Use 112 for urgent police response when someone is being attacked, threatened or otherwise facing immediate danger, or when a serious crime is in progress. Move to safety where possible. Give the street, building or outdoor location and describe observed weapons, injuries or dangerous behaviour. Do not pursue the person or take risky video to support your report.

Non-urgent police matters can be handled through police service channels rather than 112. The Police Customer Service Helpline is 0295 419 800, operating on published weekday hours, for administrative questions and certain reporting enquiries. It does not dispatch immediate police protection. See Finnish Police — Customer Service Helpline and 112 police emergencies.

112 Suomi: the emergency app that helps send your location

112 Suomi is Finland’s official emergency app. When a caller dials 112 through the app with location services available, the app can transmit device location information to the Emergency Response Centre. It can also display other official contacts, nearby defibrillator information, road and maritime service links and public emergency notices. It is helpful to install and configure before an emergency.

112 Suomi is not the same as FI-Alert. The app helps a person contact emergency services and receive certain notices; FI-Alert is a public-warning broadcast delivered directly to compatible phones without an app. An ordinary call to 112 still works without installing 112 Suomi, and the caller should speak the precise location even if device coordinates have been sent.

The Finnish citizen portal describes the app’s capabilities and how its location transmission works: Suomi.fi — 112 app guidance.

Emergency SMS to 112: not the same as a universal text inbox

Finland offers an emergency SMS route for situations where a person cannot hear or produce speech or otherwise cannot make a voice call. Suomi.fi says emergency SMS may be sent from a phone using a SIM card issued by a Finnish mobile service provider. Travellers with foreign SIMs should not assume that an ordinary SMS to 112 reaches the Finnish emergency centre.

A text should clearly state the incident and exact municipality/address, people injured, threats and a usable callback method. If voice communication is possible, call 112 directly; an emergency text conversation may be slower and relies on a functioning mobile service. The government publishes the service details at Suomi.fi — emergency SMS instructions.

FI-Alert: Finland’s new mobile warning service, November 2026

Finland introduced FI-Alert in November 2026, after the relevant legislation took effect on 1 November 2026. It uses Cell Broadcast technology to send urgent public warnings directly to compatible 4G and 5G phones in the affected area. Recipients do not have to install a special application, register a phone number or subscribe to the warning.

FI-Alert adds a faster and more precisely targeted channel to existing public warnings, not a substitute for 112 Suomi, radio, websites or the outdoor siren. The Finnish government announced the new system on 28 October 2026, and public broadcaster Yle reported its activation on 1 November 2026, with a nationwide test scheduled for 24 November 2026 at noon. A test notice should be read as a test, while a genuine danger message must be followed as instructed.

Official sources: Ministry of the Interior announcement, 28 October 2026, Erillisverkot service launch and Suomi.fi — emergency warnings.

What Finland’s public warning siren means

The Finnish general danger signal is a rising and falling siren lasting one minute. It warns of imminent danger, for example toxic smoke, chemicals or other serious hazards. When it sounds unexpectedly, go indoors, close doors and windows, stop ventilation and follow official instructions. Do not stand outside to investigate or call 112 simply to ask whether the siren is real.

The regular siren test is a shorter seven-second continuous signal on the first non-holiday Monday of the month. A continuous one-minute tone is used as an all-clear. Exact public instructions and warnings are available through the Emergency Response Centre Agency, Suomi.fi, radio and official channels. See government siren guide.

Winter storms, black ice and dangerous cold

Finland’s winter conditions can involve snowstorms, blizzards, freezing rain, severe cold, poor visibility and dangerous roads. Before a long journey, check official forecasts and road status, carry warm clothing and a charged phone, and tell someone the route and expected arrival. A storm may make a short distance between communities difficult or unsafe.

If stranded in severe cold, stay in a safe sheltered location, protect against heat loss and contact emergency services if anyone is injured, trapped or at immediate risk. Do not run a fuel-burning camping stove or generator inside a vehicle, home or enclosed shelter because of carbon monoxide poisoning risk. Check on older relatives and people whose health depends on power or heating.

Ice, lakes and water rescue

Ice thickness can change dramatically due to currents, thawing weather, snow cover or nearby structures. Do not assume a frozen lake is safe because another person crossed it. If a person falls through ice or is in dangerous water, call 112 with the nearest shore access, name of the lake, island, bridge or coordinates. Do not run onto thin ice to attempt an untrained rescue.

From a safe position, a trained helper may be able to assist with an appropriate throw or reach method, but entering unsafe water or ice can result in another victim. Rescuers need information about the exact last known position and a usable road or boat access point. During summer, similar rules apply to dangerous currents, boating incidents and drowning.

Flooding, wildfires and severe weather warnings

Heavy rain, snowmelt and storm conditions may cause local flooding or damage to buildings and power lines. Do not drive through water that hides the road surface or current. Avoid flooded basements, live cables and road closures. If someone is trapped or faces immediate danger, call 112. For wider evacuation, follow municipality, rescue service and official warning instructions.

Drought or warm, windy conditions can increase wildfire danger in forests and grassland. Respect fire restrictions and evacuation orders, and report dangerous spreading fire on 112. Do not enter a closed forest to photograph flames or recover goods. Weather and fire warnings are published by the Finnish Meteorological Institute.

Home preparedness: Finland’s 72-hour guidance

Finland recommends preparing to manage household essentials for at least 72 hours if a major interruption prevents access to electricity, water, shopping, payment or communication. Useful supplies include clean drinking water, practical non-perishable food, medication, first aid, warm clothing, flashlights, a battery-powered radio, a power bank, sanitation supplies and pet needs.

A preparedness plan should reflect who actually lives in the home. A child, older adult, wheelchair user, diabetic person or resident relying on powered medical devices may need different supplies and additional contacts. Do not stockpile recklessly; the government advises proportionate preparation so essential goods remain available to others. Official guidance: Suomi.fi household preparedness, updated June 2026.

Useful Finnish and Swedish phrases

Finnish: ‘Apua!’ — Help!
‘Tarvitsen ambulanssin.’ — I need an ambulance.
‘Tulipalo!’ — Fire!
‘Tarvitsen poliisia.’ — I need the police.
‘Henkilö on tajuton.’ — A person is unconscious.
‘Hän ei hengitä normaalisti.’ — They are not breathing normally.
‘Osoite on…’ — The address is…
‘Puhutko englantia?’ — Do you speak English?
Swedish: ‘Jag behöver en ambulans.’ — I need an ambulance.
Swedish: ‘Adressen är…’ — The address is…

Finland is bilingual in Finnish and Swedish, with Åland predominantly Swedish-speaking. Emergency communication can involve multiple languages, but do not delay calling to find perfect phrasing. State an accurate address or landmark and ask for English or another supported language if necessary. Use a written address that local responders can recognise.

How to give responders a location in Finland

Municipality and region: say Helsinki, Tampere, Oulu, Rovaniemi, Mariehamn or the town or village where the incident occurs.
Street: road and house number, building entrance, apartment and floor.
Road accident: highway number, travel direction, junction, kilometre marker or visible signed landmark.
Rail station: name the station, platform, line, exit or nearest entrance.
Forest or wilderness: national park, trail, named cabin, mapped junction and reliable coordinates.
Lake or coast: lake name, island, harbour, shore access or vessel information.
Callback: working phone number, language needs and any known road or gate obstruction.

A five-minute Finnish household or visitor checklist

Save 112 for all urgent emergencies and the correct regional non-emergency medical advice contact.
Save 116 117 for mainland urgent medical advice; in Åland use its local 018 535 117 service as appropriate.
Save the Poison Information Center 0800 147 111 and remember that critical symptoms require 112.
Write the correct address, building entrance, floor and nearest recognisable road landmark.
Install and configure 112 Suomi if useful, but remember a plain 112 call works without it.
Recognise FI-Alert and public siren warnings, and follow instructions without occupying emergency lines for routine questions.
Keep three days of water, food, medication, warmth, light and communication backups.
Plan for winter hazards, unsafe ice, children, disability and essential medical power.

Common mistakes to avoid

Calling the Medical Helpline 116117 for a person who is unconscious, not breathing normally or otherwise critically ill instead of 112.
Treating 116117 as an Åland service when the official system excludes Åland.
Using a foreign SIM to send ordinary SMS to 112 without checking Finland’s emergency-text requirements.
Assuming 112 Suomi and the new FI-Alert are the same feature.
Believing an app is required to receive FI-Alert, even though cell broadcast works without one on compatible phones.
Calling 112 simply to ask whether a public-warning siren is a test.
Running onto uncertain lake ice to attempt a rescue without training or equipment.
Entering a smoke-filled building or waterlogged electrical area to retrieve belongings.

Frequently asked questions

What is Finland’s emergency phone number?

112 is the free emergency number for police, fire, ambulance and other urgent authorities throughout Finland. Åland also uses 112 but operates its own local arrangements.

What is 116117 used for?

It provides urgent non-life-threatening medical advice across mainland Finland, with regional operations. It excludes Åland.

What number gives advice after suspected poisoning?

0800 147 111 is the free nationwide Poison Information Center line; 09 471 977 is an alternative. For severe symptoms, call 112.

What changed in Finland’s emergency warnings in November 2026?

FI-Alert was introduced from 1 November 2026 as a cell-broadcast warning channel for compatible phones in danger areas, without app registration. The existing 112 Suomi, radio, websites and sirens remain available.

What does the Finnish emergency siren mean?

The genuine danger signal rises and falls for one minute. Go indoors, close doors and windows, stop ventilation and follow official warnings until the all-clear or further instruction.

Can I call 112 without installing 112 Suomi?

Yes. A regular emergency call works without an app. Calling through 112 Suomi can help transmit location data, but the caller should still state the precise location.

What if I am in Åland?

Call 112 for immediate emergencies. For non-life-threatening medical advice, Åland publishes its local ÅHS number 018 535 117 instead of mainland 116117.

Official Finnish sources and related articles

Editorial safety note: This page is general emergency information, not medical diagnosis or live dispatch. Local conditions and official warning messages can change. Sources checked 6 November 2026, including Finland’s new 1 November FI-Alert rollout. For immediate danger in Finland or Åland, call 112 now.