Ambulance Toll-Free Number in India: 108, 102, 112 and When to Use Each

Last updated: November 2026 | Written by the Shukla Ambulance team

In case of an accident or sudden collapse at home, there will be no time to look up the correct helpline. If you know the ambulance toll-free number beforehand, you will save precious minutes. This guide will give you all the key numbers used throughout India, what they are for, and what to say when you get through.

 

Which Ambulance Toll-Free Number Should You Call?

For emergency ambulance services, call 108 in most states of India. For medical, police, and fire assistance, call 112, the national emergency number. Many states also have a 102 number for pregnant women and newborns. All numbers are free to call. Add these to your phone now!

 

Ambulance Toll Free Number and Other Emergency Helplines

If you remember only one number, remember 112. It can pass your call to the right team even if you pick the wrong service.

 

What Is an Ambulance Toll-Free Number?

Toll-free numbers are helplines that you can call without incurring any charge. When you call a toll-free number, you will be asked to give your location to the control room, who will then send the closest available ambulance.

The 108 ambulance service in India is run by the state governments. They often work in partnership with private companies. The ambulance will usually have a trained driver and emergency medical technician. Most states offer free rides for emergencies; however, this can vary between states. You can read our guide on the number of ambulance in India for a full breakdown of each number.

 

Why Is 112 the Number to Remember in Any Emergency?

The 112 emergency number is the only emergency number in India. You don’t have to choose what service you want, as the control room will do this.

• Most mobile phones can call 112 even if you have little credit.

• Many smartphones can be used to send an emergency alert by rapidly pressing the power button.

• The 112 India app can be used to share your location with the control room.

 

When Should You Use 102 Instead of 108?

The 102 helpline is primarily for pregnant women and infants. It offers free transportation from your home to the hospital and vice versa in many states. However, this is not ideal for road accidents or sudden collapses. The 108 helpline will be more suitable for these situations. For more information on who is eligible for each service, please see our 108 vs 102 ambulance comparison.

 

What Should You Say When You Call an Ambulance?

A good call includes the following:

1. Be specific. Give the exact address, including the area and a specific landmark such as a school, petrol station or temple. If on a highway, give the nearest km marker or town.

2. Give details about the patient. Example: 'He had a fall from his bike and is bleeding from his head.' or 'She is complaining of chest pain and is sweating.'

3. Give age details. If the patient is a child, elderly, or pregnant. How many people are injured?

4. Give your telephone number. Ensure that your phone is available for the crew to call you if they cannot find you.

5. Do not hang up. Wait until the operator tells you to.

Speak slowly. It is better to speak calmly and clearly rather than quickly and confusingly.

 

What Should You Do While the Ambulance Is on the Way?

These are general guidelines.

• Stay calm and try to keep the patient calm. This can help reduce breathing and heart rate.

• Do not move if they have any suspected injuries to the head, neck, or back.

• Apply pressure to the wound using a clean cloth.

• Unfasten any tight clothes around their neck and chest.

• Do not offer them anything to eat or drink if they are unconscious or very drowsy.

• If you are trained, you can begin CPR. Find out why it is important to have CPR training for everyone.

• Have documents to hand. Keep their ID, previous medical records and current medications together.

For more simple steps, see our first aid tips for common emergencies. If they are experiencing chest pain, it is also useful to know the difference between cardiac arrest and a heart attack.

 

What If the Ambulance Toll Free Number Is Busy?

This may be necessary following major incidents or poor network coverage. Do not waste time:

• Try ringing again after a few seconds and try 112 if you cannot get through to 108.

• Try to move to an area with a better signal.

• Ask someone nearby to call.

• Call the nearest hospital and ask if they can dispatch their own ambulance.

• Book a private ambulance if possible.

If the patient is very unwell and there may be delays getting help, it may be safer to use a private vehicle to transport them. If it is possible to move the patient without increasing their risk, then follow the advice of the operator where possible.

 

When Is a Private Ambulance the Better Choice?

Private ambulance services can be used for:

• Transferring patients between hospitals

• Transporting patients home after they have been discharged

• Travel to another city for planned treatment

• Patients requiring oxygen/ventilator or trained personnel at certain times.

Shukla Ambulance provides all of these services in Lucknow. We have trained personnel and fully equipped vehicles, including an ICU ambulance, a basic life support ambulance, and an advanced life support ambulance. You can compare the differences between using a private ambulance or an ambulance arranged by the hospital here. To see what you should expect to pay for an ambulance service in Lucknow, please see here. How to book an ambulance can be found here.

A private ambulance service is not a substitute for the emergency ambulance helpline. Always call 108 or 112 first for life-threatening situations.

 

How Can You Be Ready Before an Emergency?

• Save the numbers 108, 112, 102, 100, and 101 as favorites.

• Give elders and children the information on how to call 112 and give your address.

• Write down your address and a landmark on a card and put it close to the phone.

• Have a medical file ready with any reports, allergies, and regular medications.

• Check your state's list. Some states have additional health hotlines, so check your state's health department’s website.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ambulance toll-free number in India?

The most widely used ambulance toll-free number is 108. You can also call 112, the national emergency number, for ambulance, police, or fire services.

Is 108 really free?

Yes, it is free. In most states, emergency ambulance service is free. However, this can vary.

Can I call the ambulance toll-free number without a balance?

In most cases, yes. However, depending on your network and phone settings, you may not be able to. Make sure your phone has enough charge.

What is the difference between 108 and 102?

108 is for emergencies such as accidents and heart issues. Whereas 102 is mainly for pregnant women and babies in many states.

Is there one free ambulance number for all of India?

112 is the only national emergency number. While 108 is free for ambulance in most states, some states have different numbers.

What should I say when I call an ambulance?

Make sure to tell them your exact location, any landmarks, the patient’s condition, the patient’s age, and your contact details. Don’t hang up until they tell you to.

Which number should I call for a private ambulance in Lucknow?

Call Shukla Ambulance on 6392957371 or message us on WhatsApp. If it’s a life- threatening situation, call 108 or 112 first. You can also book using our contact page.

 

Final Words

All you have to do is take two minutes out of your day to save these numbers and know what they are for. Add 108 & 112 to your favourites and know your exact home address. If you need a private patient transfer in Lucknow, Shukla Ambulance can help you any time, day or night.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are in an emergency, please call your local emergency number.