Emergency Numbers in Medellín: What Every Visitor Should Know

Colombia's Main Emergency Number

📞 123

123 is Colombia's primary emergency number and is the fastest way to request emergency assistance in Medellín.

Operators can dispatch:

• 🚓 Police
• 🚑 Ambulance
• 🚒 Fire Department
• 🚨 Other emergency responders

If you're unsure which service you need, simply call 123.

Police

If you experience:

• Theft
• Robbery
• Assault
• Suspicious activity
• A public safety emergency

Call:

📞 123

If you're able to safely do so, provide:

• Your location
• What happened
• Whether anyone is injured
• A description of any suspects (if applicable)

Medical Emergencies

For serious medical emergencies such as:

• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Serious injuries
• Loss of consciousness
• Severe allergic reactions

Call:

📞 123

An ambulance can be dispatched to your location.

Fire Department

If you witness:

• Fire
• Smoke
• Gas leak
• Building emergency

Call:

📞 123

The operator will notify the fire department.

Tourist Police

Tourist Police may be able to assist visitors with:

• Tourist-related incidents
• General guidance
• Reporting crimes
• Assistance in popular tourist areas

They are commonly present in areas such as:

• El Poblado
• Parque Lleras
• Plaza Botero
• Comuna 13
• Popular tourist attractions

If immediate assistance is required, call 123 first.

If You Lose Your Passport

If your passport is lost or stolen:

1. Report the incident to the local authorities if appropriate.
2. Contact your country's embassy or consulate as soon as possible.
3. Follow your embassy's instructions for obtaining an emergency travel document.

Keep a digital copy of your passport stored securely before traveling.

If Your Phone Is Stolen

If your phone is stolen:

• Move to a safe location.
• Call 123 if the theft is ongoing or you need immediate assistance.
• Use another device to lock your phone remotely.
• Change important passwords.
• Contact your bank if payment apps or cards were stored on the device.

Medical Clinics and Hospitals

If you need medical care but it is not life-threatening, you may prefer visiting a hospital or medical clinic directly.

The Cituras Safety Hub includes locations for medical facilities throughout Medellín to help you quickly find care near your location.

Emergency Phrases in Spanish

These phrases can be helpful if you do not speak Spanish.

Necesito ayuda.
I need help.

Llame a la policía, por favor.
Please call the police.

Llame una ambulancia.
Please call an ambulance.

Me robaron.
I was robbed.

Necesito un hospital.
I need a hospital.

Perdí mi pasaporte.
I lost my passport.

¿Habla inglés?
Do you speak English?

Save Important Information Before Your Trip

Before arriving in Medellín, consider saving:

• Your hotel address
• Emergency contact information
• Travel insurance information
• Embassy contact details
• Copies of your passport
• Important phone numbers

Having this information readily available can make emergencies easier to manage.

Stay Calm During Emergencies

If something unexpected happens:

• Move to a safe location.
• Contact emergency services if immediate help is needed.
• Notify your accommodation if appropriate.
• Contact family or friends.
• Follow instructions from emergency responders.

Remaining calm and providing clear information will help responders assist you more effectively.

Final Thoughts

Most visitors to Medellín have safe and enjoyable trips. However, taking a few minutes to familiarize yourself with emergency numbers and procedures can make a significant difference if an unexpected situation arises.

Being prepared allows you to spend less time worrying and more time enjoying everything Medellín has to offer.