Emergencies can happen at any time. A car accident, someone collapsing, a fire injury, or a sudden sickness can occur when we least expect it. During these moments, knowing the right ambulance contact number in Durban can save a life. Many people panic when something serious happens because they do not know which emergency service to call.
This long and simple guide will help you understand all the ambulance numbers you need in Durban. It also explains how ambulance services work, when to call them, and how to act fast during emergencies. Keep this article saved, share it with your family, and teach others. Life is precious, and every second matters.
Why You Must Know Emergency Ambulance Numbers
In Durban, ambulance services respond to thousands of emergencies every year. When someone is hurt or sick, trained medical professionals arrive with equipment, oxygen, medicine, and transport to a hospital.
If you call the wrong number, delay can happen. Delay means the patient may get worse. Knowing the right number helps:
- Save lives
- Reduce stress
- Get quick medical help
- Prevent health complications
- Improve survival in serious cases
Always keep a list of ambulance phone numbers in your home, car, office, and mobile phone.
The Two Main Emergency Numbers in Durban
Before learning the full list, remember the two most important numbers in South Africa:
📞 10177 – National Medical Emergency Number
This is South Africa’s official ambulance number. When you dial 10177, you speak directly to Emergency Medical Services (EMS). They dispatch government ambulances quickly.
Use this number for:
- Road accidents
- Serious injuries
- Heart attacks
- Breathing problems
- Burns
- Unconscious patients
- Pregnancy complications
- Any life-threatening situation
📞 112 – Cellphone Emergency Number
You can dial 112 from any mobile phone, even if:
- You have no airtime
- Your phone is locked
- You have no network balance
This number connects you to emergency call centres available 24/7.
Complete List of Ambulance Contact Numbers in Durban
Durban has both government and private ambulance services. Private ambulances respond fast but may charge fees for transport. Government ambulances are free but may be busy during peak times. It is important to know all numbers so you can contact the nearest or fastest service.
Government Ambulance Services in Durban
🚑 KwaZulu-Natal Emergency Medical Services (KZN EMS)
- Phone: 10177
- Cellphone Emergency: 112
This is the main public ambulance service in Durban. KZN EMS is available 24 hours a day and responds to all serious medical emergencies.
Private Ambulance Services in Durban
Private ambulances are faster in many areas because they have more vehicles and advanced equipment. But be aware: if you do not have medical aid, there may be fees. Always ask about cost if the situation is not life-threatening.
1. Netcare 911
- Phone: 082 911
Netcare 911 is one of the largest emergency services in South Africa. They handle accidents, heart problems, sickness, injuries, and trauma cases.
2. ER24
- Phone: 084 124
ER24 is known for its fast response time and well-trained paramedics. They also offer inter-hospital transfers and emergency medical care at accident scenes.
3. Life Response (Life Healthcare)
- Phone: 031 303 7113
Life Response works with Life Healthcare hospitals to provide emergency medical treatment and ambulance transport. They cover many areas in Durban.
4. Rescue Care Ambulance Services
- Phone: 084 528 0000
Rescue Care is a trusted private ambulance service in Durban. They are known for quick response to road accidents and trauma.
5. Ambu-Link Ambulance Services
- Phone: 031 202 0500
Ambu-Link provides both emergency and non-emergency patient transport in Durban.
6. Intensive Care Ambulance Service
- Phone: 031 209 7911
This service is useful when a patient needs special medical equipment or support during transport.
7. Medi Response Durban
- Phone: 087 330 3016
Medi Response offers emergency support, event medical coverage, and advanced life support ambulances.
8. PTG Emergency Ambulance
- Phone: 083 251 5670
Community Volunteer & NGO Ambulance Services
Some community organisations and NGOs help during disasters, accidents, and large emergencies.
1. Gift of the Givers Emergency Response
- Phone: 0800 786 911
They help during national disasters, floods, building collapses, and other serious events.
2. Medical Transport Services (MTS)
- Phone: 031 201 0458
Provides quality patient transport and support.
3. Community Medics (Some Durban Areas)
- Phone: 087 230 0404
Fire and Rescue Services (Often Send Ambulances Too)
Durban Metro Fire and Emergency Services
- Phone: 031 361 0000
Although they mainly handle fires, they also assist in accidents, disasters, and medical emergencies.
When Should You Call an Ambulance?
Many people hesitate because they are not sure if the situation is serious enough. Here is a simple guide.
Call an ambulance if:
- Someone is unconscious
- Breathing is difficult or stopped
- Chest pain or possible heart attack
- Severe bleeding
- Major car or motorbike accident
- Electric shock
- Stroke symptoms (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty)
- Drowning or near-drowning
- Serious burns
- Poisoning
- Severe allergic reaction
- Seizure lasting more than 5 minutes
- Pregnancy complications (heavy bleeding, labour emergency)
- Child or baby emergency
If you are unsure, call anyway. The emergency operator will advise you.
What to Say When Calling an Ambulance
Ambulance operators need clear information. Follow these steps:
1. Stay calm
Speak slowly and clearly.
2. Say your exact location
Tell them:
- Street name
- House or flat number
- Building name
- Landmark (shop, school, petrol station)
3. Explain what happened
Use simple words like:
- “He is not breathing.”
- “She fell and is unconscious.”
- “There is a car accident.”
4. Tell them your phone number
In case the call ends, they will call back.
5. Do not hang up
Wait until they say you can disconnect.
Safety Tips While Waiting for the Ambulance
While waiting, you may need to help the patient. Here are some basic steps:
• Do not move the patient unless necessary
Especially after a car accident.
• Check breathing
If the person is not breathing, the operator may guide you through CPR.
• Stop bleeding
Use a clean cloth and press firmly.
• Keep the patient calm
Speak softly and reassure them.
• Clear the area
Make space for paramedics to work when they arrive.
Save These Numbers for Your Safety
Here is the complete Durban Ambulance Emergency List:
Government Ambulance
- 10177
- 112 (cellphones)
Private Ambulances
- Netcare 911 – 082 911
- ER24 – 084 124
- Life Response – 031 303 7113
- Ambu-Link – 031 202 0500
- Rescue Care – 084 528 0000
- Intensive Care Ambulance – 031 209 7911
- Medi Response – 087 330 3016
- PTG Emergency – 083 251 5670
Community & NGO Services
- Gift of the Givers – 0800 786 911
- Medical Transport Services – 031 201 0458
- Community Medics – 087 230 0404
Fire & Emergency
- Durban Fire & Emergency – 031 361 0000
Why You Should Share This Emergency List
Many people do not know who to call during a crisis. Sharing this list can:
- Save a life
- Protect family members
- Help neighbours
- Make Durban safer
- Reduce ambulance delays
Please share this list on:
- Community groups
- Workplaces
- Schools
- Your website or blog
Helping others is the greatest form of kindness.
Importance of Emergency Preparedness in Durban
Durban experiences many types of emergencies:
- Road accidents on busy highways
- Flooding and storms
- House fires
- Health emergencies in public places
- Workplace injuries
- Beach and swimming accidents
- Sports injuries
- Violence-related incidents
Being prepared means:
- Knowing ambulance numbers
- Keeping a small first-aid kit
- Teaching children how to call for help
- Saving emergency contacts in your phone
- Staying aware of your surroundings
Preparedness reduces panic and increases survival chances.
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Also read:
- Top 10 Best Hospitals in Durban – Contacts & Locations
- All Police Station Contact Number & Google Map Location in Durban
Conclusion
Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere in Durban. The most important thing is to act fast. By knowing all ambulance contacts and emergency numbers, you can save a life. Keep these numbers with you, share them with friends and family, and teach your children how to call for help.
And while you protect your health and safety, do not forget your future—build your career with JobsInDurban.com, the best local job site in Durban.
Your safety, your future, your success — all begin with the right information. Stay safe. Stay prepared.