Corona crisis: what to do if I need an emergency doctor?

Updated on

Lisa Vogel studied departmental journalism with a focus on medicine and biosciences at Ansbach University and deepened her journalistic knowledge in the master's degree in multimedia information and communication. This was followed by a traineeship in the editorial team. Since September 2020 she has been writing as a freelance journalist for

More posts by Lisa Vogel All content is checked by medical journalists.

Even in the current pandemic, emergency doctors and rescue services are fully operational. However, there are a few rules that you should definitely follow in emergency situations.

When do I have to dial the emergency number and when do I have to dial the medical on-call service?

The emergency number 112 is reserved for emergencies. Basically: 112 should only be dialed if one or more people are in need and time is of the essence. This is the case, for example, with chest pain, severe shortness of breath or an accident.

The medical on-call service 116117 is your contact if you need medical advice but it is not an emergency. If you have any questions about the coronavirus and its symptoms, please dial 116117. Due to the high demand in the current situation, however, there may be waiting times.

Every federal state has now set up coronavirus hotlines. The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians has listed them: https://www.kzbv.de/coronavirus-hotlines-in-den-bundeslaendern.1374.de.html

What to do if you think you have been infected with the coronavirus can be found in the article Coronavirus: What to do in the event of a (possible) infection?

Can I dial 112 despite the Corona crisis?

Yes! Emergency doctors explicitly point out that the clinics and emergency rooms are prepared for other emergencies despite the current coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, do not hesitate and dial 112 in an emergency.

Can I still go to the emergency room?

Like the emergency number 112, the emergency room is reserved for emergencies - even during the current Corona crisis. In many hospitals, people with respiratory problems are currently separated from other patients as a precaution. This is to prevent the potential risk of infection with the coronavirus in the emergency room.

In general, stay at home if possible and only go to the emergency room in an emergency. If you have urgent questions, you can contact the on-call service and dial 116 117.

Do I have to point out corona symptoms (cough / fever / shortness of breath) when calling the emergency?

If you have symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath or fever, state them - regardless of the reason you need emergency medical help! So that the emergency physicians can classify the case correctly and provide the patient with the best possible care, they must be aware of all the complaints of the person concerned.

If the person concerned could have a coronavirus infection in addition to the medical emergency, the emergency physicians will take appropriate protective measures during treatment. The helpers can only protect themselves appropriately if you state all of your symptoms.

Do I have to point out contact with coronavirus infected people or stay in risk areas?

Yes. If you have had contact with someone infected with the coronavirus or have recently been in a risk area, tell the emergency services on the phone. The paramedics and emergency doctors can then take appropriate protective measures.

You can find an overview of the risk areas here.

Will I be treated if I have symptoms of coronavirus infection?

Yes. The ambulance and paramedics will treat every patient, even if there are symptoms of coronavirus infection. In this case, the doctors will take safety measures so as not to infect themselves. If the patient's state of health permits, mouth and nose protection is provided.

I tested positive for Sars-CoV-2. Is that why I only get help later?

No. Due to the current corona pandemic, the emergency services are busy. Therefore there may be delays in isolated cases. Nevertheless, all patients are treated equally. If it is a confirmed or suspected corona case, the rescue workers will only take special protective measures.