Singapore Emergency Number: When to Call 995 and What to Expect

In an emergency, knowing who to call can help you act quickly and with confidence. When something serious happens, it is normal to feel unsure or overwhelmed, especially if you are worried about your own safety or that of someone you care about.

Understanding Singapore’s emergency numbers, including when to call 995, can help you get the right help without hesitation. This guide explains which numbers to use in different situations and when an urgent care centre may be appropriate for non-life-threatening concerns, so you can make informed decisions during stressful moments.

Singapore’s main emergency number: 995 

When you're facing a medical emergency, knowing help is just a phone call away can bring tremendous relief. 

In Singapore, 995 is the primary emergency number that connects you to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) ambulance service. This number is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. 

When you call 995, trained operators will assess your situation and dispatch an ambulance if needed. The service is free for all Singapore residents and visitors.

When should you call 995? 

Call 995 immediately if you or someone around you experiences any of these life-threatening situations:

• Cardiac arrest or not breathing normally.

• Seizures or fits, especially if prolonged or repeated.

• Severe breathlessness or difficulty breathing.

• Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness.

• Excessive or uncontrolled bleeding.

• Major trauma (e.g. serious accidents, major falls, severe injuries) or suspected stroke.

• Suspected poisoning or drug overdose

• Severe allergic reactions with swelling or breathing problems

Your body often signals when something isn't right. If you feel that a situation requires immediate attention, don't hesitate to call 995 or seek urgent care.

What to expect when you call 995

When you call, the 995 operations centre will guide you through the conversation. 

Here's what they'll typically ask:

• Your exact location:

  • Provide your full address, including block and unit number. If you're unsure, describe nearby landmarks or shop names

• What happened:

  • Briefly explain the emergency ("My father collapsed", "Someone has chest pain", etc.)

• The person's condition: 

  • Is the person conscious? Breathing? Responsive?

• Your contact number:

  • In case they need to call back or provide updates

Take a deep breath and stay as calm as possible. The operator may give you instructions on positioning the person or performing basic first aid whilst the ambulance is on its way.

While waiting for the ambulance

Waiting for help during a medical emergency can feel overwhelming. 

Here's how you can support your loved one whilst help is on the way:

• Stay with the person and monitor their condition

• Keep your phone nearby in case the crew needs to contact you

• Don't move the person unless they're in immediate danger

• Send someone outside to guide the ambulance crew to your location

• Unlock doors and clear the path for paramedics

• Gather identification, medication lists, or medical records if possible

If the person's condition worsens, call 995 again to update them.

When not to call 995

Singapore's emergency ambulance service is designed for life-threatening situations where every minute counts. When 995 is used for less urgent matters, it can delay response times for people experiencing heart attacks, strokes, or severe injuries who need immediate intervention. 

You might consider other options if you're experiencing:

• Minor injuries: 

  • Small cuts that have stopped bleeding, mild sprains where you can still walk

• Common ailments: 

  • Cold or flu symptoms, mild fever without other concerning signs, mild headaches

• Routine concerns: 

  • Prescription refills, follow-up questions about recent appointments, stable chronic conditions

• Non-urgent dental issues: 

  • Toothaches without severe swelling, breathing difficulty, or high fever

For these types of concerns, you can consider visiting an urgent care centre, calling your regular doctor during clinic hours, or using the non-emergency ambulance service (1777) if you need medical transport.

Other important medical emergency numbers in Singapore

Beyond 995, having a few other important contacts at your fingertips can bring peace of mind when medical or safety concerns arise: 

Consider saving these numbers in your phone contacts so that if you or a loved one ever needs help, you'll know exactly who to call. Knowing these numbers ahead of time can help you respond calmly and confidently if an urgent situation arises. 

Understanding urgent care: When it's appropriate

Sometimes, you may face a medical situation that needs prompt attention but isn't life-threatening. These urgent care needs fall somewhere between a routine doctor's appointment and a 995 emergency.

When urgent care is appropriate

Consider visiting an Urgent Care Centre (UCC) if you experience:

• Minor injuries like sprains, strains, or small cuts

• Fever with mild symptoms

• Allergic reactions without breathing difficulty

• Minor burns or scalds

• Ear infections or sore throats

• Urinary tract infections

• Mild asthma symptoms

UCCs can assess and treat non-life-threatening conditions quickly and effectively, often with shorter waiting times than hospital emergency departments. Many UCCs operate extended hours, and some are even open 24/7, making them a reassuring option when you need prompt medical attention outside regular clinic hours. They're particularly helpful when your regular GP isn't available or when you need care for conditions that can't wait but aren't severe enough to require emergency services.

Urgent care options in Singapore

If you're looking for urgent care, several hospitals and clinics across Singapore offer walk-in services for non-emergency medical concerns. Most provide consultations without appointments, on-site laboratory and imaging services, and quick assessments for conditions that require prompt attention. When choosing a UCC, consider proximity to your location and whether they specialise in particular types of care relevant to your needs.

For example, Thomson Medical Centre operates a 24-hour urgent care centre that specialises in women's and family health concerns. 

The centre can manage conditions that require prompt evaluation but don't necessitate emergency services, such as: 

• Pregnancy-related concerns that need timely assessment, such as persistent vomiting or abdominal pain

• Symptoms that worry you and require urgent evaluation

• Conditions that can't wait for your next scheduled appointment but aren't life-threatening

• Health concerns outside regular clinic hours when your specialist isn't available

If you'd like more guidance on choosing between urgent care, A&E, your GP, or a 24-hour clinic for different emergency response situations, our detailed comparison guide can help you understand which option suits your specific needs.

How to prepare for medical emergencies

Being prepared helps you respond more effectively when emergencies happen. Here's what you can do:

Keep essential information accessible 

Having key information organised and within easy reach can make all the difference in an emergency:

• Save emergency numbers (995, 999, 1777) in your phone

• Know your exact home address and nearest major landmark

• Keep a list of your medications and allergies

• Note any chronic conditions or past surgeries

Create a personal emergency plan

Thinking through potential scenarios now when you're calm and clear-headed means you'll know exactly what to do if something unexpected happens. 

Your emergency plan should include:

• Identify the nearest hospital or UCC to your home and workplace

• Discuss emergency protocols with family members

• Keep a basic first aid kit at home

• Know the location of your nearest automated external defibrillator (AED)

Making the right choice for your situation 

When you're feeling unwell or concerned about someone you care for, knowing where to turn for help can feel confusing. 

Here's a gentle framework to help you assess your situation and choose the most appropriate path forward: 

Call 995 if

• The condition is life-threatening

• Someone has stopped breathing or has no pulse

• There's severe bleeding or major trauma

• You suspect a heart attack or stroke

Call 1777 if

• You need medical transport but it's not an emergency

• You're travelling to a scheduled hospital appointment

• The condition is stable but you need assistance getting to hospital

Visit a UCC if 

• You need prompt medical attention but it's not life-threatening

• Your regular doctor isn't available

• You want to avoid long emergency department waits

• The condition requires assessment but isn't immediately dangerous

Knowing when to use each service ensures you receive the right level of care at the right time. Whether you need emergency medical services or urgent care, Singapore's healthcare system provides multiple pathways to support your health and wellbeing.

FAQ

Are there any charges for the 995 ambulance service?

How to use SMS 70995?

What if I'm not sure whether my situation is an emergency?

Will the ambulance take me to the hospital of my choice?

The information is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and advice based on your unique situation, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.