Police, 112, lost documents: what to say in Czech

💡 The single emergency number is 112 (free, 24/7); separately: 150 fire brigade, 155 ambulance, 158 police; first say what happened, then where.

💡 In a fire first leave the building, then phone; do not use the lift; the fire fighters (hasiči) ask for the address, what is burning and whether there are people inside.

💡 Záchranka is the colloquial name for the ambulance (záchranná služba); the dispatcher asks whether the person is dýchá (breathing) and při vědomí (conscious).

💡 On 112 say what happened, where you are and how many people are hurt; from a mobile the operator often sees your location, but still name landmarks around you.

💡 If you smell gas: do not switch on lights or use a flame, open the windows, go outside and phone 112 or the gas emergency service from the street.

💡 A theft is reported at the police station (policejní oddělení) or via an oznámení on the website; you get a protokol (record) for the insurer or bank.

💡 Foreigners should carry an identity document: a passport or povolení k pobytu (residence permit) or the dočasná ochrana (temporary protection) card.

💡 In criminal proceedings you have the right to a tlumočník (interpreter) if you do not understand Czech; say so at the start.

💡 After a vloupání (break-in) touch nothing, phone the police and wait for the patrol; for the insurer you will need the protokol or a case number.

💡 The blokové řízení (on-the-spot fine) can be paid to the officer in cash or by card; if you disagree, refuse to sign and wait for a decision; always ask for proof of payment.

💡 Ztráty a nálezy is the lost-property office at the city or in transport; peněženka is a wallet, nalezená věc a found item; also ask at the place where the item might have been left.

💡 Loss of a passport is reported to the police and to your consulate (embassy); a temporary document is issued for travel.

💡 If a card is lost or stolen block it immediately in the bank's app or by phone (infolinka), then report to the police if it is theft.

💡 In a shopping centre go to informace or to the ochranka (security) with a description of the child: name, age and clothes; security will announce the search over the loudspeaker.

💡 In the evening and at weekends a duty doctor (pohotovost or LSPP) at the hospital sees patients; take your karta pojištěnce (insurance card) and an identity document.

💡 Useful words: bolest (pain), hrudník (chest), dýchání (breathing), závrať (dizziness); Od kdy to bolí? is a standard question from a doctor.

💡 If the child hit their head and is limp, vomited or lost consciousness, go straight to the pohotovost or call 155; say how it happened and when.

💡 If a child swallowed something, do not induce vomiting; phone the Toxikologické informační středisko or 112, name the product and the amount and keep the packaging at hand.

💡 A bank never asks over the phone for the PIN, a password or a code from an SMS; hang up and call the bank yourself on the number from your app.

💡 Do not click links in unfamiliar messages; a bank or the post does not ask for a password via a link; forward a suspicious SMS to the bank or the police website.