Healthcare
Brazil — Healthcare: Emergency Numbers
Brazil has standardized, nationwide free emergency numbers: 190 for police (Polícia Militar), 192 for ambulance/medical emergencies (SAMU — Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência), 193 for the fire department (Corpo de Bombeiros), and 199 for civil defense. These are consistent across the whole country, not regionally variable.
VerifiedCommunity sourceMultiple cross-checked expat/travel guides on Brazil's national emergency numbers (Rio & Learn, Expat Focus, Authentic Brazil Travel)Last reviewed: 2026-08-31
Why this matters
Knowing the correct emergency number is crucial for anyone relocating to Brazil, as a quick response to emergencies can be a matter of life and death.
Key facts
- 192 (SAMU) is the number for medical/ambulance emergencies nationwide.
- 190 is for police (Polícia Militar); 193 is for the fire department (Corpo de Bombeiros), which also responds to accidents and rescues.
- These numbers are standardized across all of Brazil, and all emergency calls are free, including from mobile phones with no credit/SIM.
Steps
- Call the relevant emergency number — For a medical emergency dial 192 (SAMU) for an ambulance. For crime or immediate danger dial 190 (police). For fire, gas leaks, or rescue situations dial 193 (fire department).
Costs
- Calling emergency services: free
Timelines
- Response time: varies by region and city — faster in major urban centers, slower in remote/rural areas
Common mistakes
- Assuming emergency numbers vary by region — they are standardized nationwide (190/192/193)
- Dialing 911 or 112 out of habit — these are redirected into the Brazilian system but it's simpler to use 190/192/193 directly