Comparison · 112 vs. house-call
rab vs emergency services 112
rab vs emergency services 112 is a care-pathway comparison that shows when RAB Arztbesuche's private medical home visit in Berlin is the faster alternative — with a licensed physician daily from 6 am to midnight.
Berlin Fire Brigade emergency services are the only address for life-threatening emergencies — heart attack, stroke, severe breathlessness, major trauma. rab complements this by handling acute ambulatory complaints in the home setting. The two systems are clearly separated.
Medically reviewed by Susanne Reiche · Last reviewed
Two completely different systems
Berlin Fire Brigade's emergency service works with emergency physicians and paramedics, on site within minutes, stabilising patients until transport to the right hospital is possible. Resuscitation, intubation, defibrillation, emergency medication, trauma-bay preparation — that is the 112 world.
rab works in the world before and beside that: ambulatory symptoms requiring medical care but not immediate emergency response. We neither aim to nor can we replace 112 — and we actively recommend it the moment symptoms suggest hospital-grade resources are needed.
When in doubt — always 112
It costs you nothing to call 112 when uncertain. Berlin's dispatch centre triages and sends the right resources — ambulance, emergency doctor, helicopter. If the dispatcher decides there is no emergency, they direct you onward to 116117 or to a private house-call like rab.
Emergency? Dial the emergency number
If unconscious, with severe chest pain, breathlessness or heavy bleeding, dial 112 immediately. Our service complements the emergency services — it does not replace them.
Comparison
| Aspect | rab Berlin | Emergency services 112 |
|---|---|---|
| Indication | Acute ambulatory complaints | Life-threatening emergencies |
| Resources | Specialist with examination kit | Emergency doctor, ambulance, hospital link |
| Response time | typically 60–90 min. on site | Few minutes — highest priority |
| Cost | GOÄ invoice, around €150–350 | Covered by health insurance |
| Location of care | Home, hotel, apartment | On site + hospital transport |
| Availability | Daily 6 am – midnight | 24/7, immediate dispatch |
| Examples | Fever, bronchitis, UTI, circulation | Resuscitation, acute chest pain, severe breathlessness |
When rab is the right choice
- Symptoms are uncomfortable but stable and ambulatory
- You can wait 60–90 minutes for arrival
- You need a diagnosis, prescription, possibly a sick note
- Conditions like fever, cold, pain, gastroenteritis
- You are privately insured or self-pay
When to call 112 immediately
- Loss of consciousness or acute mental change
- Severe chest pain, sudden breathlessness
- One-sided weakness, sudden speech disturbance, vision loss (stroke suspicion)
- Major trauma, heavy bleeding, suspected fractures
- Seizure, severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- Pregnancy emergency, labour, vaginal bleeding
Frequently asked questions
Could rab be faster than 112 in an emergency?
No. Emergency services hold highest priority and use blue-light privileges — response in minutes is normal. rab drives without such privileges, with 60–90 minutes arrival.
What if I call rab and an emergency turns up?
The on-site doctor immediately alerts emergency services, provides first measures and hands over structurally. It happens rarely, but we are prepared.
Does health insurance cover ambulance services for private patients too?
Yes, in Germany emergency services are covered for all insured. Billing runs via your health insurer, statutory or private.
Why not just call 112 if in doubt?
That is exactly what we recommend for any suspected emergency. rab is the choice when you are confident there is no emergency indication and still need medical help.