Does 112 work without airtime?

Yes. 112 is the emergency number reachable from any mobile phone, including one with no airtime, and on most handsets without a SIM card. It routes to an emergency call centre which transfers you on.

Should I call an ambulance if I do not have medical aid?

Yes. Public emergency medical services respond regardless of medical aid, and emergency care at a public facility is not refused on the basis of ability to pay. Do not delay calling for that reason.

What is the number for poisoning?

The Poisons Information Helpline number is listed above. Call it immediately for any suspected poisoning or overdose, including medicines, household chemicals, paraffin, pesticides, plants and snake bite, and have the container with you if you can.

Health library

Emergencies

Emergency numbers in South Africa

Which number to call, what the difference is between them, and what to say when someone answers.

The numbers

10177 reaches ambulance and emergency medical services directly. 10111 reaches the police. 112 works from any mobile phone and will route you to an emergency call centre — it works even without airtime, and on most phones without a SIM card.

What to say when they answer

Being ready with these details makes a large difference to how quickly help reaches you.

Where you are. Street address, suburb and a landmark. If you are on a road, give the road name and direction of travel and the last thing you passed. This is the most important item — everything else can be worked out on arrival.
What has happened. One sentence.
How many people are hurt.
Whether the person is breathing and conscious.
Your name and the number you are calling from.
Then stay on the line. Do not hang up until you are told to — the call taker may give you instructions to follow while help is on its way.

When to call rather than drive

Driving someone yourself is sometimes faster, but for these situations an ambulance crew starts treatment on scene, and moving the person yourself can cause harm.

Chest pain, or pain spreading to the arm, neck or jaw with sweating or breathlessness.
Signs of a stroke — face drooping, arm weakness, slurred or confused speech. Note the time symptoms started; treatment options depend on it.
Severe difficulty breathing, or lips and fingertips turning blue or grey.
Unconsciousness, or someone you cannot rouse.
A seizure lasting more than five minutes, or repeated seizures without recovery in between.
Severe bleeding that does not stop with firm pressure.
A suspected spinal or neck injury — do not move the person.
Serious burns, or a major accident.

Mental health crises

A mental health emergency is an emergency. If someone is at immediate risk of harming themselves, treat it the same way you would any other life-threatening situation — call for help or get to an emergency department.

For a crisis that is not immediately life-threatening, SADAG operates national counselling and crisis lines staffed by trained people, and can direct you to services in your area.

Common questions

Does 112 work without airtime?: Yes. 112 is the emergency number reachable from any mobile phone, including one with no airtime, and on most handsets without a SIM card. It routes to an emergency call centre which transfers you on.
Should I call an ambulance if I do not have medical aid?: Yes. Public emergency medical services respond regardless of medical aid, and emergency care at a public facility is not refused on the basis of ability to pay. Do not delay calling for that reason.
What is the number for poisoning?: The Poisons Information Helpline number is listed above. Call it immediately for any suspected poisoning or overdose, including medicines, household chemicals, paraffin, pesticides, plants and snake bite, and have the container with you if you can.

Sources

Emergency Medical Services and national emergency contact numbersNational Department of Health, South Africa

Last reviewed 4 August 2026.