When an emergency strikes, having the right number and hospital information at your fingertips can make all the difference. Whether you’re a Pennsylvania resident or just visiting, this guide will help you know exactly who to call and where to go when it matters most.
1. Call 911 for All Life-Threatening Emergencies
In Pennsylvania, 911 is the statewide emergency number for police, fire, and medical help.
You should call 911 when:
Someone is seriously hurt or unresponsive
There’s a fire, explosion, or accident
You witness a crime in progress
There’s danger to life or property
- Tip: When calling 911, stay calm, clearly describe what’s happening, and give your exact location. Even if you can’t talk, your call can be traced.
- Learn more on Pennsylvania’s official emergency site
2. Non-Emergency & Support Numbers
Not every situation requires 911. Sometimes you need advice, information, or help that’s not urgent.
Non-Emergency Police Numbers: Each county in Pennsylvania has its own. For example, Cumberland County’s non-emergency line is 717-243-4121.
PA 2-1-1: Dial 2-1-1 for free access to local services like food, shelter, or mental health support.
Visit pa211.org for more information.Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222 — available 24/7 for poisoning emergencies and advice.
Pennsylvania Department of Health Helpline: 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258)
3. If 911 Isn’t Working
While rare, 911 systems can occasionally go down. During outages, officials recommend calling your county’s non-emergency dispatch number directly.
You can find those numbers on your local county government website or check local news outlets like WTAE Pittsburgh for updates.
Best Hospitals in Pennsylvania (2025)
Pennsylvania has some of the best hospitals in the U.S., offering top medical care and advanced facilities. Below are some of the top-ranked hospitals for 2025 based on Newsweek and U.S. News ratings.
1. Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania – Penn Presbyterian (Philadelphia)
Rank: #1 in Pennsylvania
Specialties: Cardiology, Cancer, Neurology, and Surgery
Why It’s Great: This hospital is part of the Ivy League’s Penn Medicine network and is known for advanced treatments and world-class research.
2. UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside (Pittsburgh)
Rank: #2 in the state
Specialties: Organ Transplants, Cancer Care, and Heart Surgery
Why It’s Great: UPMC consistently ranks among the nation’s top hospitals and serves as a teaching center for the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
3. Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (Hershey)
Rank: Top 5 in Pennsylvania
Specialties: Pediatrics, Neurology, ENT, and Gastroenterology
Why It’s Great: Known for its excellent pediatric hospital (Penn State Children’s Hospital) and patient-centered care.
4. Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest (Allentown)
Rank: Among Top 10
Specialties: Trauma Care, Orthopedics, and Heart Health
Why It’s Great: Serves eastern Pennsylvania and offers a Level I Trauma Center for severe emergencies.
5. Reading Hospital (Reading)
Rank: Among the top community hospitals in PA
Specialties: Heart, Stroke, and Emergency Medicine
Why It’s Great: It’s one of the largest hospitals outside of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, offering high-quality regional care.
Tips for Choosing the Right Hospital
Check specialization: Go where they’re best for your condition.
Confirm insurance coverage: Make sure the hospital accepts your plan.
Location matters: During emergencies, the closest accredited trauma hospital is usually the best option.
Keep records ready: Always have your ID, insurance card, and a list of medications.
Important Health Resources
ReadyPA Emergency Info – State emergency preparedness info
PA 211 – Local help for food, housing, and crisis support
Pennsylvania Department of Health – Statewide health updates and hospital listings
PEMA 911 Program – Details about Pennsylvania’s 911 system
Final Thoughts
Emergencies are unpredictable — preparation isn’t.
By saving these numbers and knowing where to find top medical care, you can act quickly when every second counts. Whether it’s calling 911, contacting Poison Control, or rushing to the nearest trauma center, you’ll be ready to make the right move.
Stay safe, stay informed, and keep this Pennsylvania emergency guide bookmarked — it might save a life someday.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What should I do if I can’t reach 911 in Pennsylvania?
If you ever experience a 911 outage or can’t get through, stay calm and call your county’s non-emergency dispatch number directly. You can find it on your county government’s website or local police department page. You can also dial 2-1-1 for community help or use your cell phone to text 911 in areas that support it.
2. What number should I call for a health question that isn’t an emergency?
For non-urgent health questions, call your primary care provider, local urgent care, or PA 2-1-1 to find nearby medical services. You can also reach the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258) for general guidance.
3. Which hospital in Pennsylvania is best for emergency or trauma care?
If you’re in Philadelphia, go to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania – Penn Presbyterian, a top-rated Level I Trauma Center.
In western Pennsylvania, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside in Pittsburgh is another excellent choice.
For central PA, Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest and Hershey Medical Center both have 24/7 trauma and emergency care.
4. Can I text 911 in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you can text 911 in most parts of Pennsylvania. This is especially helpful for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or in a situation where it’s unsafe to speak. Just type your location and emergency clearly in the first message.
5. How can I prepare for a medical emergency before it happens?
Keep a list of emergency numbers saved in your phone and written somewhere visible at home.
Also, prepare a small “emergency info card” with your name, allergies, medications, and emergency contacts. It can help first responders treat you faster if you can’t communicate.
