hätänumerot

Hätänumerot are emergency numbers used in Finland and other EU countries to obtain urgent assistance from authorities such as police, fire services, and health responders. They are intended for life-threatening or property-threatening situations and should be used when immediate help is required.

In Finland the primary emergency number is 112. Calling 112 connects the caller to the national emergency response center, which coordinates dispatch of the appropriate services. The system is designed to be accessible nationwide, 24 hours a day, free of charge, and usable from landlines and mobile phones, including devices without a working SIM card or with limited network coverage. The call is answered by operators who can assist in Finnish, Swedish, and several other languages, and who will determine the necessary response based on the information provided.

When a person calls 112, the operator will typically ask for the location of the emergency, the type of incident, and what kind of assistance is needed. The aim is to quickly identify whether police, fire, or medical services—or a combination of these—are required and to guide the caller until help arrives. In many cases, the operator can provide safety instructions or first aid guidance over the phone.

In addition to 112, there are sector-specific contact options for non-emergency situations or direct access to particular services, depending on local arrangements. Finland also offers a 112 Suomi mobile app that facilitates sharing location and medical information with responders and provides quick access to 112.

Overall, hätänumerot are a critical system for rapid response in emergencies, designed to be reachable, reliable, and efficient across the country.