How to call emergency services and what to say in Russian
To call emergency services in Russia, dial 112 from any phone (mobile or landline). The operator will connect you to the appropriate service (ambulance, police, fire, rescue).
In a medical emergency, you can specifically call 03 (landline) or 113 (mobile) to reach ambulance services. For fire emergencies, call 101, and for police, call 102.
When you call, say the following key phrases in Russian:
- “Помогите!” (Pomogitye!) — Help!
- “Вызовите скорую помощь!” (Vyzovite skoruyu pomoshch!) — Call an ambulance!
- “Мне нужна помощь.” (Mne nuzhna pomoshch.) — I need help.
- “Мне нужен доктор.” (Mne nuzhen doktor.) — I need a doctor.
- “Пожар!” (Pozhar!) — Fire!
- “Вызовите полицию!” (Vyzovite politsiyu!) — Call the police!
If you need to inform them about an accident or injury, you can say:
- “Произошёл несчастный случай.” (Proizoshyol neschastnyy sluchay.) — There’s been an accident.
You should clearly state your location and the nature of the emergency when connected.
Summary of emergency call phrases in Russian with pronunciation hints:
| Russian Phrase | English Meaning | Pronunciation Hint |
|---|---|---|
| Помогите! | Help! | puh-ma-GEE-tyeh |
| Вызовите скорую помощь! | Call an ambulance! | vy-za-VEE-tyeh SKO-ru-yu po-MOSH |
| Мне нужна помощь. | I need help. | mnye NOOZH-nah po-MOSH |
| Мне нужен доктор. | I need a doctor. | mnye NOOZH-en DOK-tor |
| Пожар! | Fire! | pa-ZHAR |
| Вызовите полицию! | Call the police! | vy-za-VEE-tyeh pa-LEE-tsi-yu |
| Произошёл несчастный случай. | There’s been an accident. | pro-ee-zo-SHYOL nyes-CHAST-nyy SLOO-chay |
Calling 112 will connect you to the relevant emergency service quickly, and using these key phrases can help you communicate your needs effectively in Russian emergencies.