- Emergency No.: +91-6392957371 , +91-8858088251
Published by Shukla Ambulance, a Lucknow-based ambulance service led by founder Hemendra Shukla, with 15+ years in ambulance operations and 6,000+ patient transfers. Last updated: October 2026.
Quick answer: The most common emergency ambulance number in India is 108. However, you can also use the one national emergency number 112 to get an ambulance, police, and fire service. The number 102 is mostly used for pregnant women, newborn babies, and general patient transportation in many states.
When a family member suddenly falls unwell or has an accident, you won’t have time to search online. Many people will still stop to think, what is the ambulance number in India? This guide will clearly tell you which number to call. It will also tell you what to say, what to have ready, and how to avoid any mistakes that could lose you vital minutes.
|
Number |
What it is |
Best used for |
|
108 |
State emergency ambulance service |
Accidents, heart attack, stroke, breathing trouble, severe bleeding |
|
102 |
Patient transport service |
Pregnant women, newborns, non-critical transfers |
|
112 |
Single national emergency number |
Any emergency, when you are unsure which service you need |
|
100 |
Police |
Crime, road accident reporting |
|
101 |
Fire service |
Fire and rescue |
Names, rules and coverage can differ from one state to another, so always confirm the local setup in your area.
There is no one answer, but there are three key numbers to keep in mind. 108 for medical emergencies; 112 if you are unsure which number to call or are in an unfamiliar state/city; 102 for pregnancy-related issues or planned patient transport.
These can all be called from a mobile phone or landline. If you are confused in an emergency, just remember, if in doubt call 112 or 108.
The 108 ambulance number is the most common number to call if you need an ambulance helpline. It is a free-to-call number that is available 24/7. It is operated by the state government and sometimes with a service partner. You will speak to a trained operator who will ask questions about the patient's condition and then send the closest available vehicle.
The ambulance will usually have oxygen, a stretcher and basic life-saving equipment. Some ambulances will have more advanced support available. This number should be used for road accidents, chest pain, stroke-like symptoms, difficulty breathing, excessive bleeding, burns, poisoning, seizures, and if the patient's condition may deteriorate quickly.
In most states, this will be a free ambulance service for the patient. However, there may be rules around how far away you can be, which hospital you can go to, and extra facilities, so it is good to know what your state offers.
The 102 ambulance service was primarily set up to assist pregnant women and infants to travel to a government hospital and return safely. Other stable patients are also supported in many states.
If you have been involved in a road accident, or have collapsed suddenly or had a heart attack, it is not the right choice. If the situation appears serious, you should call 108 or 112 first. If unsure which to call, 108 is the safest option to call. If you need to transfer a newborn baby between hospitals, you can look at our neonatal and child ambulance service.
India has only one emergency number, 112. This allows you to contact Police, Fire, and Ambulance services by calling one number. Your request will be passed to the correct team.
Useful reasons:
• This works across the whole of India. You don't need to know the local number for the city you are in.
• Usually you can call this number even if your phone doesn't have much credit left.
• Many smartphones have an SOS feature. To use this, you need to press the power button 3 times quickly. Check your phone to see if you have this feature.
• The 112 India app can be used to locate your position.
Although not all districts will respond as quickly, it is a reliable option to have if you are unsure who to call.
In addition to your ambulance number, it is a good idea to have the following numbers in your favourites:
• 100 Police
• 101 Fire Service
• 1091 Women's Helpline
• 1098 Child Helpline
• 104 Health Advice (some states)
Have your family doctor's number, the nearest hospital emergency, and a trusted private ambulance service. If you are in Lucknow, you can also add our emergency ambulance number for Lucknow.
Mostly. Although 108 and 112 are commonly used, the service name, company, response time, and facilities will vary. Some states have combined their previous numbers with 112. Some cities have additional local control rooms. However, in more remote or hilly areas it may take longer for a government vehicle to arrive.
It would be a good idea to ask your local hospital or municipal office which number is best to use in your area. Have this number saved on your phone alongside 112.
When you are under pressure, keeping things simple will help keep you focused. You can book a private ambulance by following our guide on how to book an ambulance. When calling 108 or 112:
Stay calm and speak slowly. To ensure the operator can get the information they need.
Call 108 or 112.
Give them exact details about where you are. Tell them the area, street name, building or house number, and any nearby landmarks.
Tell them about the patient. How old are they? Are they conscious and breathing? What has happened?
Give them your phone number. So they can call you whilst they are on the line.
Don’t hang up until they tell you the call is finished.
Have someone go to the main road or gate to save time when the ambulance arrives.
Make the most of your time while waiting. Gather the patient's ID card, previous medical records, list of regular medications, their insurance card, and some money or a payment app. If they have any allergies or chronic illness, let the crew know as soon as they arrive.
You can also:
• Ensure the patient is in a comfortable position and remove any tight clothing
• Apply pressure to any wounds using a clean cloth
• Do not give food or drink to anyone unconscious or confused.
• Try not to move their neck or back after an accident unless they are in danger (e.g. fire).
• Only perform CPR if you have been trained to do so.
These are general first aid tips and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical assistance. Follow the advice of the operator on the call.
Government ambulance services can be very busy during peak times or if there are any incidents in the area. Therefore, a private ambulance service can be very useful. This can be used for planned or specific transfers such as:
• Hospital to hospital
• City to city for treatment
• ICU ambulance or Oxygen / Ventilator ambulance
• Basic Life Support ambulance for moving bedridden or elderly patients home after discharge.
• Pick up from your choice of hospital.
Before confirming your transfer, ask your provider what type of ambulance they have, what equipment is available, what trained personnel will be present, how long it will take them to get there, and how much it will cost. A good provider will be able to provide you with all of this information clearly. At Shukla Ambulance, we provide this information to the family at the time of booking. Our ambulances in Lucknow usually arrive within 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic and where the pickup is. Please contact our team or call +91 63929 57371.
• Waiting for a relative to arrive to make the call
• Unclear location (just stating the name of a large area)
• Hanging up before the operator had finished
• Moving the accident victim unnecessarily
• No emergency numbers saved and trying to find them in the situation
• Only choosing based on price and not looking at the equipment and staff
It pays to be prepared. Add the numbers 108, 112, and 102 to your phone favorites. Write them down and put them in a card on the fridge or near the front door. Make sure your elderly parents and older children know how to make these calls. Make sure you know the nearest hospital with an ED. Keep a small folder with medical reports and prescriptions.
The main ambulance number is 108. If you are not able to use 108, you can use the national emergency number 112.
This will depend on the state you are in. In most states, it is free, but facilities and rules may differ, so it is best to check with your local state health department.
In short, 108 is for medical emergencies, and 102 is mainly for pregnant women and newborn babies. Read our 108 vs 102 ambulance guide to see what you are eligible for, what services they offer, and when to use which.
Yes, usually you can. Emergency calls can be made with a low balance. Ensure that your phone is fully charged and location is on.
You should use 112. This number works throughout India.
Contact a reliable provider. Save their number. If you would like to contact Shukla Ambulance for planned transfers and non-emergency patient transfers, please call +91 63929 57371 or +91 88580 88251.
So, what is the number of ambulance in India? is 108 for medical emergencies, 112 for any emergency, and 102 for mother, baby, and stable patient transport. Save these numbers and share them with your family. Ensure you have your location details. If you need an ambulance for hospital transfers or long-distance travel, you can contact Shukla Ambulance, and our team can help.
This article is for informational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for medical advice. Information provided may change, and it is always best to check with your state health department for the most up-to-date information.
