Emergency Services in Russia: Dialing for Ambulances and Urgent Care - Wander Russia 2025 Guide

Emergency Services in Russia

In any country, knowing how to access emergency services is vital, especially in a foreign nation like Russia, where the systems and procedures might differ from what you are used to. Whether you are experiencing a medical emergency, are involved in an accident, or need urgent assistance, it is crucial to be aware of the local emergency services available and how to contact them. This guide will walk you through the emergency services in Russia, focusing on how to reach ambulances, urgent care, and other vital assistance, including what to expect when dialing emergency numbers and seeking help.

Key Emergency Numbers in Russia

Russia has several dedicated emergency numbers for various situations, including medical, fire, police, and rescue services. Knowing these numbers is essential for expats and travelers in the country.

1. Medical Emergencies – Ambulance

• Emergency Number: 103
  • Use this number to call for an ambulance in the event of a medical emergency, such as a heart attack, severe injury, or life-threatening condition.
  • The 103 emergency number connects you to a dispatcher who will send an ambulance to your location.
  • Calls to 103 are free of charge, but you should be prepared to provide detailed information in Russian. English-speaking operators may not always be available, especially in rural areas.

2. Fire Services

• Emergency Number: 101
  • Call 101 if you are facing a fire emergency or need the fire department’s assistance.
  • Fire trucks and rescue teams will respond, and this number is free for anyone within Russia.

3. Police Services

• Emergency Number: 102
  • Use 102 to contact the police in case of an emergency, such as theft, assault, or an accident involving criminal activity.
  • The police are available 24/7, and calls to 102 are free.

4. Rescue and Search Services

• Emergency Number: 112
  • This is the unified emergency number in Russia, which connects you to fire, ambulance, police, or rescue services. It can be dialed in most cases when you need any type of emergency assistance.
  • 112 works throughout Russia, making it an easy and consistent option for those unfamiliar with local services.

Accessing Ambulances in Russia

In Russia, ambulances are part of the state healthcare system, and they are provided by local hospitals and emergency centers. When you call for an ambulance, the dispatcher will typically ask for the following details:

• Location: Be prepared to give the exact address, including any specific landmarks or building numbers if possible.
• Nature of the Emergency: The dispatcher will need to know the type of emergency (e.g., heart attack, broken bones, unconsciousness) so they can send the appropriate medical team and equipment.
• Patient’s Condition: Any relevant medical history or symptoms, including whether the person is conscious, breathing, or experiencing chest pain, for example.

1. Public Ambulances

• Ambulances in Russia are generally public and are run by the government health system. The cost of an ambulance ride can vary depending on your insurance status.
• If you have state-sponsored health insurance or are a resident of Russia, the ambulance service is typically free of charge. However, if you are a foreigner without Russian health insurance, there might be a charge for emergency services.

2. Private Ambulance Services

• In addition to public services, there are private ambulance companies in Russia that provide expedited services, especially in cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg.
• These private services may offer faster response times, English-speaking staff, and higher levels of comfort, but they can be quite expensive. Foreigners with private health insurance often use these services to avoid long waiting times.

Urgent Care and Hospitals

In Russia, urgent care centers or emergency rooms (ERs) are part of many public and private hospitals. They provide care for medical conditions that are not life-threatening but require prompt attention. The healthcare system is divided between public and private hospitals, both of which cater to emergency needs.

1. Public Hospitals and Emergency Rooms (ERs)

• Availability: Public hospitals in Russia are typically open 24/7 and have an emergency department that can handle a wide range of urgent health issues.
• Cost: If you are covered under Russia’s social insurance system, you will typically not have to pay for emergency care. Foreigners who do not have Russian insurance may need to pay out-of-pocket unless they have international health insurance that covers emergencies.
• Quality of Care: The quality of care at public hospitals can vary. In larger cities, public hospitals tend to have better equipment and highly trained medical staff, while rural hospitals may be more basic.

2. Private Hospitals and Urgent Care Clinics

• Access to Care: Private healthcare providers in Russia are generally more comfortable, faster, and can offer high-quality services with fewer delays. They also tend to have more English-speaking staff.
• International Standards: Many private hospitals in major cities are equipped to handle urgent care cases with international-level standards and offer a higher level of comfort, making them an attractive option for expats and foreigners.
• Costs: Private healthcare in Russia is typically paid for out-of-pocket, although some international health insurance plans may cover emergency care at private clinics.

What to Expect When Calling Emergency Services

Here’s a general overview of what to expect when calling emergency services in Russia, especially for ambulance services:

1. Initial Contact: When dialing 103 for an ambulance or 112 for general emergencies, you will be connected to a dispatcher. Be prepared to speak in Russian, as English-speaking operators may not always be available. If you don’t speak Russian, it’s helpful to have someone who speaks the language with you or use basic Russian phrases like:
   • “Pomoshch’” (Помощь) – Help
   • “Mne nuzhna skorya” (Мне нужна скорая) – I need an ambulance.
   • “Adresa” (Адрес) – Address
2. Details You Need to Provide: The dispatcher will ask for:
   • Your location (including building number, apartment number, or landmark)
   • A description of the emergency (e.g., symptoms, severity, unconsciousness, etc.)
   • Any important medical information about the patient (such as allergies or medical conditions)
3. Ambulance Arrival: Once the information is processed, the ambulance will be dispatched. In larger cities, it typically arrives within 15–30 minutes, but in rural areas, it may take longer depending on the availability of ambulances.
   • If you’re in a major city like Moscow, you may find private ambulance services that could arrive faster.
4. Payment for Services: For expatriates or foreigners, emergency care through state ambulances may incur costs if you don’t have Russian health insurance. Private services generally require up-front payment.

What to Do in Case of Medical Emergency

1. Know Your Location: Always be prepared to provide the exact address, including any specific building or apartment numbers.
2. Call Emergency Services Immediately: Don’t wait too long to call, especially if the condition is severe or worsening.
3. Have Insurance: Ensure that you have valid travel or health insurance to cover potential emergency expenses. This will be essential if you require private medical care or if you are not eligible for state-sponsored services.
4. Stay Calm: The medical team will need as much clear information as possible to respond quickly. Calmly explain the situation and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.

Conclusion

Emergency services in Russia are widely available, and the country has established systems for dealing with medical, fire, police, and rescue emergencies. By understanding the key emergency numbers, knowing what to expect when you call, and understanding the differences between public and private services, you can ensure that you’re well-prepared for any urgent situations. Having proper insurance coverage and knowing where the nearest hospital or clinic is located can help make your experience in Russia as stress-free as possible, should an emergency arise.