Emergency Services Guide
Emergency numbers, response times, hospital systems, and trauma centers in Vatican City
• Emergency Number: 113 (Police), 115 (Fire), 118 (Medical/Ambulance)
• Ambulance Response: 5-10 minutes average in Vatican City proper
• Hospital Coverage: Vatican City has limited on-site medical facilities; emergency cases referred to Italian hospitals in Rome
• Trauma Centers: Gemelli Hospital (Rome, Italy) - primary trauma center for Vatican emergencies
• Language Support: Italian primary; English available through Vatican medical staff and Italian emergency services
• International Visitors: Travel insurance strongly recommended; emergency care coordinated with Italian healthcare system
Emergency Numbers
Universal
113
Police
113
Fire
115
Medical
118
Other Numbers
Response Times
Urban Areas
~8 min
Vatican City's extremely small size (0.44 km²) means emergency response is rapid. Most emergencies are handled through Italian emergency services in Rome, typically 5-15 minutes from Italian territory.
Hospital System
Vatican City has no independent hospital system. The Vatican operates a small medical clinic (Dispensario) for basic care. All serious emergencies are transferred to Italian hospitals in Rome, primarily Gemelli Hospital. Vatican residents and employees have access to Italian healthcare through bilateral agreements.
Major Trauma Centers
Vatican City relies entirely on Italian trauma centers in Rome. Gemelli Hospital is the primary Level 1 trauma center for Vatican emergencies, located approximately 5-10 km from Vatican City.
Specialized Care:
- Trauma surgery
- Cardiac care
- Stroke centers
- Burn treatment
- Neurosurgery
Language Support
English is widely spoken in Vatican City among clergy and staff. Italian emergency services in Rome have English-speaking operators available. Major hospitals serving Vatican patients have international patient services with English support.
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