Many are uncertain when to call an emergency doctor and when the medical on-call service is sufficient. As a general rule: In life-threatening emergencies or serious accidents, always dial 112. This number connects you with the fire department and emergency medical services in Berlin. A dispatcher will then decide which ambulance or emergency doctor will be sent. Examples of such emergencies include: signs of a heart attack (severe chest pain, shortness of breath) or stroke (paralysis, speech disorders), loss of consciousness, severe bleeding, serious accidents, etc. In such cases, every minute counts – do not hesitate to call emergency services immediately!
In all other urgent cases that do not pose an acute life threat, the medical on-call service (116117) is the right choice. You can call this number, for example, in the evening, at night, or on weekends when you suddenly fall ill and cannot wait until your general practitioner's office reopens. The 116117 arranges medical help without requiring an emergency doctor with sirens and flashing lights to arrive. Patients often ask themselves: "When should I call an ambulance?" – You only call an ambulance (emergency vehicle) via 112 if hospital transport is medically urgently necessary and the patient cannot safely drive themselves. If it is not an acute emergency but medical help is still needed, the on-call service arranges care, including transport if necessary.
Emergency Call 112:
What happens when I call? Stay calm and answer the questions from the dispatch center staff. Tell them WHO is calling, WHERE something happened, WHAT occurred, HOW MANY people are affected, and WHAT injuries/illnesses are present, and wait for any follow-up questions. In Berlin, a call to 112 usually results in an ambulance being dispatched immediately; if needed, an emergency doctor will accompany it. 112 is valid throughout Europe and is always free of charge – in Berlin as well as throughout Germany.
On-Call Service 116117:
How it helps. When you call 116117 because, for example, you have high fever or severe pain at night, they will arrange either a short-notice visit to an urgent care clinic or send an on-call doctor to your home (if you are not mobile). This prevents emergency rooms from being overwhelmed with patients without genuine life-threatening conditions. Important: You also receive competent medical care via 116117 – but adapted to the level of urgency. You should only call an emergency doctor in acute emergencies. If you, for example, google "emergency doctor Berlin phone number," be clear: 112 is the only number for emergency doctor deployment. For all other emergencies in Berlin, 116117 is the correct contact.
Conclusion:
Call 112 if a human life is in danger or serious harm is threatened – for example, in the case of heart attack, stroke, serious accidents, loss of consciousness, or respiratory arrest. Call 116117 if you need urgent medical help (today, at night, or on weekends) but there is no life-threatening situation. This way you will receive appropriate care in the right setting. In case of doubt, do not hesitate to always call 112 in an emergency – the professionals there will direct you further if necessary. But also know about 116117 so you can quickly get medical advice and help in Berlin for minor emergencies.
RAB: When you need quick help on the weekend
Whether Saturday evening or Sunday morning – with RAB you are never alone. Our on-call service in Berlin ensures that you receive medical care on weekends – even with a home visit if desired. Our specialists are on-site in Berlin for you. Instead of anonymous call centers, you can expect personal, German-language phone support from us. Choose the direct path to medical help – with RAB.