# Italian emergency service integration > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italian-emergency-service-integration > Updated: 2026-08-27T07:44:44.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 4. Italian regions are enhancing and streamlining access to emergency services through the implementation and promotion of the 112 European Emergency Number (NUE). In Lazio, the regional government is phasing out the historic 118 emergency number in favor of the unified 112 system. This transition includes rebranding the Ares fleet, which consists of 270 ambulances and medical vehicles, as well as 260 local stations and three helicopters. President Francesco Rocca stated the change aims to provide a “memorable, child-proof number” and improve the coordination of multidisciplinary rescue efforts. Lazio has also fully activated the 116117 European harmonized number for non-urgent medical assistance across its entire territory, including the provinces of Viterbo, Frosinone, and Latina. Managed by Ares 118 operators, this 24/7 service provides multilingual support and a three-level response system involving nursing, medical, and psychological support. If an emergency is detected during a 116117 call, operators automatically transfer the connection to 118. Expansion of non-emergency medical guidance is also occurring in other regions. In the Bolzano Health District, a pilot project for the 116117 hotline is scheduled to launch on September 15, covering Bolzano, Loew Cadonna, Chiusa, and Laive, with plans for future expansion across South Tyrol. Additionally, a continuous care service via the 051 3131 number has been active since August 25. This 24/7 service utilizes General Practitioners to provide clinical assessments and direct patients to appropriate care when primary doctors are unavailable. In the Veneto region, authorities continue to focus on the 116117 service, having increased staff by 18 operators to manage high call volumes. ## Claims - The 116117 service is managed by healthcare operators from Ares 118. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The 116117 number is now active across the entire Lazio region. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The service is free and active 24/7. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The service provides three levels of response: nursing, medical, and psychological. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The service is intended for residents, non-residents, and tourists. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Coverage has been completed in the provinces of Viterbo, Frosinone, and Latina. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The 116117 number does not replace the 112 and 118 emergency numbers. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The service offers multilingual assistance and automatic geolocation. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-27: Italy implements new 24/7 healthcare hotlines for non-emergency medical guidance New 24/7 healthcare hotlines are being launched in Italy, including a pilot 116117 service in Bolzano to provide non-emergency medical guidance and improved access to primary care. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-implements-new-247-healthcare-hotlines-for-non-emergency-medical-guidance ### 2026-08-24: Lazio activates 116117 non-urgent medical helpline region-wide Lazio has launched the 116117 non-urgent medical helpline across its entire region, providing 24/7 free assistance to residents and tourists to reduce emergency room congestion. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lazio-activates-116117-non-emergency-medical-helpline-region-wide ### 2026-08-10: Italy enhances emergency service access in Veneto and Lazio Italian regions Veneto and Lazio are strengthening emergency response systems by expanding the 116117 non-urgent medical service and increasing the visibility of the 112 emergency number on ambulances. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-enhances-emergency-service-access-in-veneto-and-lazio ### 2026-08-05: Lazio adopts 112 as single emergency number, replacing 118 Lazio will replace the 118 emergency number with the EU-wide 112, redirecting calls and marking all 270 Ares ambulances with the new number; the unified system will coordinate police, fire and medical responses 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lazio-adopts-112-as-single-emergency-number-replacing-118 --- Cite as: Italian emergency service integration. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italian-emergency-service-integration