Emergency Medical Care in Malta: When to Call 112
A short, careful guide. If you think this is an emergency, stop reading and call 112.
Key takeaways
- 112 is the free European emergency number and works in Malta 24/7.
- Use it for life-threatening or serious situations.
- For minor illness, a pharmacist, GP or online doctor is more appropriate.
What 112 is
112 is the single European emergency number. In Malta it connects you to ambulance, police and fire services. Calls are free and can be made from any phone.
Examples of serious emergencies
- Severe difficulty breathing, or choking.
- Chest pain, especially if crushing, spreading or with sweating or breathlessness.
- Signs of stroke: face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty.
- Unconsciousness, collapse or a seizure.
- Severe bleeding or serious injury.
- Severe allergic reaction, including swelling of the face, lips or throat.
- Signs of heatstroke such as confusion or very high body temperature.
What not to delay
Do not wait to see if stroke or chest pain symptoms pass, do not drive yourself if seriously unwell, and do not wait for a GP or online appointment when symptoms are severe.
Emergency care vs routine GP care
Emergency services treat immediate threats to life or health. GP care - public, private or online - is for assessing and managing non-emergency illness, ongoing conditions and follow-up.
Other options for non-emergencies
For minor illnesses, start with a pharmacist. For a medical opinion, see a public GP, a private GP or arrange an online consultation.
This information cannot diagnose your symptoms or replace individual medical advice. For a medical emergency in Malta, call 112.
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Sources and references
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