In the event of an emergency or any other traumatic situation, the last thing you need to worry about is trying to remember the various response numbers. It’s important to download the free Matrix Smartphone App, available for both iOS and Android so that in the event that your vehicle is stolen or hijacked, you can report it immediately.
I’ve got an emergency – what do I do?
Remain calm. Although emergencies require rapid action, the most important factor in handling the situation is to remain calm and speak clearly to the emergency response agent. If possible, have the following details ready:
- The nature of the emergency
- Exact location of the incident (including nearby landmarks)
- The details of any injuries
Dial 0800 111 322 to report a stolen or hijacked vehicle or use the Matrix Smartphone App to immediately get in touch with the Matrix Control Room.
Nationwide Emergency Response – 10111
This telephone number is for any emergency that requires police response and can be dialled from anywhere in South Africa. A call centre operator will answer the incoming call, take all the necessary particulars and then assign the emergency to the relevant response team to attend to the incident. This may be the Flying Squad patrol vehicle or the local police station.
Cell phone emergency – 112
This number can be called from any mobile phone in South Africa. You will be transferred to a call centre and they will route you to an emergency service closest to you. A call to 112 on a mobile phone is free, regardless of whether you have airtime or not.
When you dial this number, you will reach an automated menu. Don’t let this frustrate you. The menu acts as a form of triage (priority of treatment) control and filters out abuse of the medical and emergency system.
It’s very easy to get caught up in distress but remember to stay calm and make sure the emergency medical services team knows exactly how to reach you.
Ambulance and Fire Brigade – 10177
The number 10177 can be used in the case of a medical emergency and can be called in conjunction with both the fire and police department respectively, depending on whether or not there are casualties.
If you don’t have them stored already, we recommend that you put these three numbers on your phone, under ‘Emergency numbers’.