Emergency Phone Numbers in Uruguay
Uruguay uses a centralized 911 system, similar to the United States.
Call 911 from a Uruguayan phone number.
Police: 911
Medical Emergency / Ambulance: 911
- or your ambulance provider’s number if you have purchased ambulance coverage
Fire Department: 911
When calling, be ready to provide:
- Your exact address or nearby landmark
- Your name
- Description of the emergency
- Phone number where you can be reached
If you are alone, let the dispatcher know
The 9-1-1 Emergency App
This app is an additional option. It can use GPS to share your location with first responders, has an English interface, and allows you to text (for example, if you can’t speak). This is an official Uruguayan app that is promoted by the Ministry of the Interior.
App Instructions:
- Search “emergencia 911 Uruguay” or “emergencia 9-1-1” to find and download the app in the iOS/Android app stores.
- Set up the app immediately upon download, including allowing it to have the requested access to your location, or it won’t work.
- If you use a VPN and you have an iPhone, you will need to turn off the VPN each time you use the app,
- If you use a VPN on an Android device, you change your VPN settings so that the app does not use the VPN (often referred to as “split tunneling”).
- Split tunneling is a VPN feature that lets you choose which apps use your secure VPN connection and which apps connect directly to the local internet. Because the emergency app needs to know your exact physical location in Uruguay to send help, it may not work properly if your VPN is making it look like you are in another country. By turning on split tunneling in your VPN settings, you can indicate that this app should not use the VPN.
- IMPORTANT: Use the test feature to confirm the app is working.
- Click on “servicios” then “service test” and follow the instructions. You should receive a text that your text was received.
- Under “servicios” you will also find tutorials on how to use the app.
Emergency Phrases in Spanish
Most emergency responders speak Spanish. While some may understand basic English, do not rely on it. It may help to memorize a few phrases:
- “Necesito una ambulancia.” (I need an ambulance.)
- “Hay un incendio.” (There is a fire.)
- “Necesito la policía.” (I need the police.)
- “La dirección es…” (The address is…)
Emergency Reference Sheet
Consider creating a one-page emergency sheet and place one near your door and keep a digital copy saved in your phone. Include:
- Your name
- Your address
- Closest cross street
- Phone number
- Cedula number
- Health provider
- Medications
- Emergency contacts (in your home country and Uruguay)
Documents to Keep Accessible In Case of an Emergency
In an emergency, it helps to have:
- Passport or cédula
- Health insurance card
- List of medications
- Emergency contact information
- Blood type (if known)
Emergency Care in Piriápolis
ASSE in Piriápolis
Anyone physically present in Uruguay can receive emergency care at a public hospital or clinic under ASSE (Administración de los Servicios de Salud del Estado)
Policlínica ASSE
Open 24 hours
Phone: 44322648
Address: Simón del Pino 9000, 20200 Piriápolis, Departamento de Maldonado, Uruguay
Private Ambulance Service
If you have purchased ambulance coverage through your mutualista or separately, you can call them directly using the contact number you were provided by the ambulance service to come to you.
- Let them know if you are alone and/or do not speak Spanish well.
If you are a member of La Asistencial, you can use these numbers in an emergency
- WhatsApp: +598 94 604 092
- Phone (call from a Uruguayan phone number): 4266 3535
Police Station in Piriápolis
Address: 4PQC+RQ7, 20200 Piriápolis, Departamento de Maldonado, Uruguay
Phone: 20305242