The Bundestag has adopted a reform of emergency medical services

On Thursday, October 15, 2026, the Bundestag adopted Germany’s emergency medical services reform, aimed at reducing overcrowding in emergency departments, shortening waiting times, and directing patients to the appropriate facility. The changes also affect Romanians who live or work in Germany.

The 116117 number will play a central role for medical problems that are not life-threatening. Patients will be assessed by phone or digitally and may be directed to their family doctor, a video consultation, a doctor who makes home visits, or an emergency department. For heart attacks, strokes, serious accidents, or severe breathing difficulties, 112 remains the number for life-threatening emergencies.

Calls to 112 and 116117 will be digitally connected to enable the rapid transfer of information and dispatch of appropriate emergency teams. In certain cases, rescuers will be able to treat patients at the scene, without automatically transporting them to hospital.

The reform provides for integrated emergency centers, units for children and adolescents, home consultations, and permanent telemedicine services. The new centers must be established within six months of the law entering into force. The government will allocate 225 million euros over five years for digitalization, but rescue organizations are calling for additional funding guarantees.