Average Emergency Call Answering Time in Portugal Drops to 28 Seconds in 2025

Portugal's emergency medical dispatch centers (CODU) significantly improved their response times in 2025, with the average call answering time dropping to just 28 seconds. This marks a notable achievement in the efficiency of the national emergency medical system, managed by the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM).

The latest report from INEM reveals that the four CODU centers collectively managed a substantial workload last year, responding to 1.6 million calls. This volume translates to an average of 4,539 calls per day. The data also indicates a considerable increase in demand, with call volume rising by 11.2% compared to the previous year, 2024.

Despite the surge in calls, the reduction in average answering time suggests enhanced operational capacity and effective resource management within the CODU system. This improvement is crucial for ensuring timely medical assistance during critical situations, potentially saving lives through faster initial response and dispatch of emergency services.