Cameroon Ambulance Number: 119
+237 · Emergency Medical Service (SAMU)
The ambulance emergency number in Cameroon is 119. Operated by Ministère de la Santé Publique. Free to call. Works from mobile phones.
Emergency Medical Service (SAMU)
Cameroon · Ambulance
📝 Ambulance and emergency medical services via 119. SAMU Cameroon operates in Yaoundé and Douala. Limited coverage outside major cities.
🔢 Dedicated Number Pages
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
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🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Cameroon
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call Ambulance
- • Do not call 117 for administrative matters - visit the local police station
- • Do not call 119 for non-urgent medical consultations - visit a health center
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable under Cameroonian law
- • Do not call emergency numbers for electricity outages - contact ENEO
- • Do not use emergency lines for road conditions or traffic information
✈️ Travel Notes — Cameroon
Emergency response is most reliable in Yaoundé and Douala. Response in rural areas and conflict zones may be severely limited or unavailable. Private clinics in major cities offer better emergency care than public facilities. Medical evacuation may be necessary for serious conditions.
🛡️ Traveling to Cameroon? Protect Yourself
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Ambulance Emergency Service in Cameroon — Complete Guide
When traveling to Cameroon or living there as an expat, knowing the correct ambulance number in Cameroon is critical for emergency preparedness. The official emergency contact line for ambulance services in Cameroon is 119, which is operated and monitored by Ministère de la Santé Publique. Ambulance and emergency medical services via 119. SAMU Cameroon operates in Yaoundé and Douala. Limited coverage outside major cities.
How to Dial 119 in Cameroon
To reach the Emergency Medical Service (SAMU) in Cameroon, dial 119 from any local fixed line, cellular phone, or public payphone. Dialing from mobile devices is fully supported across local mobile operators and international roaming SIM cards. A SIM card is typically required by mobile operators in Cameroon. If you lack a SIM card, dial the universal emergency number 112. Calls to this emergency service are 100% free of charge — no prepaid airtime credit or active subscription plan is required.
Calling from International Roaming or Abroad
If you are within Cameroon using an international roaming SIM card, you can dial 119 directly without any country code prefix. If you need to contact emergency dispatch in Cameroon from an international location, the country calling code is +237.
Language & Communication with Dispatchers
Emergency operators in Cameroon communicate primarily in fr, en. If you do not speak fr, remain calm and state your language immediately (e.g. "English, please"). Most national dispatch centers have access to telephonic interpretation services or English-speaking officers to ensure rapid dispatch.
What to Expect When You Dial 119
When you call the ambulance number in Cameroon, you will be connected to a trained dispatcher at Ministère de la Santé Publique. These operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. When connected, clearly state:
- Your exact location (city, neighborhood, landmark, or GPS coordinates)
- The nature of the emergency (ambulance assistance)
- Number of individuals involved or needing immediate medical/police/fire assistance
- Your contact number for callback if disconnected
All Emergency Numbers in Cameroon
Please note that Cameroon utilizes dedicated emergency lines for different agencies. Besides the Ambulance (119), the following emergency services can also be reached directly: National Police (117), Emergency Medical Service (SAMU) (119), Fire and Rescue Service (118). Additionally, the universal emergency contact number 112 is active across Cameroon and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Official Regulatory & Government Source
The emergency number 119 is verified against official directories published by Ministère de la Santé Publique. Last verified on 2026-01. If you notice any outdated information or changed hotline details, please contact our editorial team so we can update the platform for traveler safety.
Frequently Asked Questions — Ambulance in Cameroon
What is the Ambulance number in Cameroon? ▼
The Ambulance emergency number in Cameroon is 119. Ambulance and emergency medical services via 119. SAMU Cameroon operates in Yaoundé and Douala. Limited coverage outside major cities.
Does 119 work from mobile in Cameroon? ▼
Yes, 119 works from all mobile phones in Cameroon.
Can I call 119 without a SIM card? ▼
A SIM card is typically required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 119 free in Cameroon? ▼
Yes, calling 119 is free in Cameroon. No airtime credit needed.
Who operates Ambulance in Cameroon? ▼
The Ambulance service in Cameroon is operated by Ministère de la Santé Publique. Source: https://www.minsante.cm/
Can I call 117 from a mobile phone without credit in Cameroon? ▼
Yes. Emergency calls to 117, 118, and 119 are free and can be made without airtime credit.
Are emergency operators able to speak English in Cameroon? ▼
English is an official language in Cameroon, but French is the dominant language for emergency services. In Anglophone regions, English may be available but is not guaranteed.
What emergency services are available outside Yaoundé and Douala? ▼
Police posts exist in all departments, but emergency response is slower. Ambulance services are concentrated in major cities. Fire stations exist only in larger towns.
Is there a gendarmerie number in Cameroon? ▼
The Gendarmerie handles rural and highway policing. They can be reached through the main police number 117, which will redirect as needed.