How Emergency Services Work in Guatemala

Guatemala’s emergency system is different from the US or Europe. There is no single 911-equivalent number. Instead, you call the specific service you need: police (110), fire/rescue (122 or 123), or medical (125 for Red Cross). All calls are free from any phone, including prepaid mobiles with no credit.

Police: When to Call 110

The PNC (Policia Nacional Civil) responds to crimes in progress, traffic accidents, and security emergencies. Response times vary: 5-15 minutes in Guatemala City’s Zones 10/14/15, but 30+ minutes in rural areas. For tourist-related incidents, call 1500 (POLITUR/ASISTUR) instead – they have English-speaking operators and are specifically trained to assist visitors.

Fire & Rescue: 122 vs 123

Guatemala has two separate fire departments:

  • Bomberos Voluntarios (122) – the volunteer firefighter corps, present in almost every municipality. They handle fires, accidents, and medical emergencies. In most areas outside Guatemala City, they are the primary ambulance service.
  • Bomberos Municipales (123) – the municipal department, primarily active in Guatemala City and larger cities.

Both respond to the same types of emergencies. In Guatemala City, calling either number will get you help. Outside the capital, 122 is more reliable.

Medical Emergencies: What to Know

For medical emergencies, call 125 (Cruz Roja) or 122 (Bomberos, who also dispatch ambulances). If you have IGSS social security coverage, call 1522 for IGSS ambulances.

Private ambulance services are faster but expensive. Hospital Herrera Llerandi and Centro Medico in Zona 10 have their own ambulance services for patients.

Important: Public hospital emergency rooms (Hospital Roosevelt, San Juan de Dios) are free but often overcrowded. Private hospitals (Centro Medico, Herrera Llerandi, La Esperanza) provide faster service but require payment upfront or insurance.

Tips for Emergencies in Guatemala

  1. Save key numbers in your phone before you need them. Bookmark this page.
  2. Carry your DPI or passport – hospitals and police will ask for identification.
  3. Know your zona – when calling emergency services, they will ask “Que zona?” (what zone). Know the zone number of your location.
  4. For tourists: Call 1500 first. ASISTUR coordinates with all other services and has English speakers.
  5. Pharmacy emergencies: Farmacias Galeno (2380-1234) and Farmacia Carolina (2332-1023) have 24-hour locations in Zones 10 and 1.

Reporting a Crime

To file a criminal complaint (denuncia), call the Ministerio Publico at 1572 or visit their offices in person. You can also file reports online at mp.gob.gt. For consumer protection issues (overcharging, fraud), call DIACO at 1544.