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PhrasesMaking Phone CallsDevo chiamare il 112.
A1

Devo chiamare il 112.

I need to call 112.

Pronunciation

'112' = uno-uno-due. Speak each digit clearly and separately.

When to use it

Say this when there is an emergency requiring police, ambulance, or fire brigade. 112 is Italy's unified emergency number, equivalent to 999 (UK) or 911 (US).

What it means

112 is Italy's European emergency number. Specific Italian numbers: 113 (Police — 'Polizia di Stato'), 115 (Fire — 'Vigili del Fuoco'), 118 (Ambulance — 'Ambulanza'). 112 connects to the Carabinieri and can redirect to any service. All numbers are free and work even without a SIM card.

Variations

Chiami un'ambulanza!

Call an ambulance!

Direct emergency instruction.

C'è stato un incidente.

There's been an accident.

What to say when calling.

Dove si trova lei adesso?

Where are you now?

What the operator will ask.

Mini Dialogue

— C'è qualcuno a terra! Devo chiamare il 112! — Chiama subito! Io resto con lui. — Pronto, 112? C'è un uomo che è caduto. Siamo in piazza della Repubblica, Milano. — I soccorsi stanno arrivando. Resti in linea.

— Someone's collapsed! I need to call 112! — Call immediately! I'll stay with him. — Hello, 112? A man has fallen. We're in Piazza della Repubblica, Milan. — Help is on the way. Stay on the line.

Cultural Note

Italy's 112 emergency service has been available in Italian and multiple other languages since 2015. The NUE 112 (Numero Unico di Emergenza) was fully adopted nationally by 2017. In Italian cities, Carabinieri (military police) are often first responders — calling 112 is always the safest choice as they coordinate with all other emergency services.