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Calling 112 in Türkiye
When to call, what to say and what to do while waiting — English edition of the 2025 guide
Prepare essential information before an emergency so you can act without searching for instructions under pressure.
1. The emergency number
112Call for possible life-threatening or rapidly worsening conditions, including:
• Severe chest pain or breathing difficulty.
• Loss of consciousness or collapse.
• Heavy bleeding.
• Suspected stroke: sudden weakness, speech difficulty or facial droop.
• A road accident or serious injury.
• Extensive burns.
• Serious poisoning.
Routine colds, mild fever and minor pain that can safely await assessment are usually better managed through primary care or an outpatient clinic. A symptom's seriousness depends on the person and circumstances; if you suspect an emergency, call 112 for guidance.
2. What to say
Give the essential facts even if your language skills are limited.
1. Location
Neighbourhood, street, building and a clear landmark such as a shopping centre, mosque or station. Read the exact place name from your map if helpful.
2. What has happened
For example:
• “Chest pain / breathing problem.”
• “Accident.”
• “Unconscious.”
• “Bleeding.”
• “Stroke symptoms.”
3. Approximate age and sex
For example, “Male, 45” or “Female, 30”.
4. Current condition
• Conscious or unconscious.
• Breathing normally or not.
• Whether bleeding is continuing or controlled.
3. Stay on the line
Do not hang up until instructed. The operator may ask further questions to guide first aid and arrange appropriate assistance. Keep the phone available for a return call.
4. While waiting for an ambulance
Make the scene safe and follow the 112 operator's instructions. If possible, use speakerphone so you can help while listening.
Unconsciousness
Check whether the person is breathing normally. If they are breathing normally, the recovery position may be appropriate; follow the operator's guidance, especially if a neck or spinal injury is possible. Avoid unnecessary movement after trauma. If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, including only gasping, tell 112 immediately and start CPR as instructed. Use an available AED and follow its prompts.
Heavy external bleeding
Apply firm direct pressure with a clean cloth or dressing where appropriate. Follow 112 instructions; do not remove an embedded object.
Choking
If the person can cough effectively, encourage coughing and watch closely. Inability to breathe, speak or cough effectively requires immediate help: follow 112 instructions and use age-appropriate choking first aid if trained. Sitting someone up alone does not treat an obstructed airway. If they become unresponsive, tell the operator and follow resuscitation instructions.
Chest pain or breathing distress
Keep the person resting in a position they find comfortable and limit exertion. Do not give unprescribed medicines or home remedies. Follow the operator's directions.
These points support the emergency call; they do not replace first-aid training.
5. Emergency departments and routine clinics
Emergency department
For serious or rapidly worsening problems, including severe pain, major bleeding, injury or new neurological symptoms. Triage prioritises clinical severity, so less urgent cases may wait.
Daytime outpatient care
For non-emergency symptoms, chronic conditions and specialist assessment, usually with an appointment.
Family doctor
For primary-care assessment, minor illness, follow-up, appropriate prescriptions and guidance, subject to registration and service availability.
6. Costs and insurance
Charges depend on SGK entitlement, private insurance, patient category and services. A call to 112 is free; ambulance transport and treatment are not automatically free for every foreign patient.
Necessary emergency intervention must not wait for payment or insurance approval. Once the patient is stable, contact the insurer and request clear billing information.
7. Warning signs requiring urgent action
Call 112 or seek immediate emergency assessment for:
• Severe chest pain, particularly spreading to the arm or jaw.
• Severe breathlessness or blue lips.
• Sudden one-sided weakness or speech difficulty.
• Bleeding that does not stop.
• High fever with a stiff neck or confusion.
• Severe abdominal pain with persistent vomiting or blood.
• A severe allergic reaction with facial swelling or breathing difficulty.
These examples are not a complete diagnostic list.
8. A small emergency information file
Keep:
• Passport or residence-card copy.
• A trusted person's contact number.
• Medicine list.
• Medicine allergies.
• Blood group if reliably known.
Do not delay emergency care to find documents.
A short call script to save
Code:
We need an ambulance.
Our address is...
The patient is approximately... years old.
The problem is...
They are conscious / unconscious.
They are breathing normally / not breathing normally.Key points
For serious emergencies, call 112. Give your location, what happened, approximate age, consciousness and breathing. Stay on the line and follow instructions.
Editorial clarification — 8 October 2026
First-aid instructions are corrected to distinguish normal breathing from gasping, recognise cardiac arrest and serious choking, and avoid unnecessary movement after trauma. A free call is distinguished from potential transport and treatment charges.
Additional official verification
Ministry of Health — calling 112 Ministry of Health — information and conduct during an emergency call Ministry of Health — cardiac arrest, abnormal breathing and AED use Ministry of Health — unconscious-patient dispatch guidance Ministry of Health — choking recognition and first aid Ministry of Health — current emergency and ambulance charging rulesSource article's stated review date: 2025 (original guide). English edition checked: 8 October 2026.
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