die sterreichische Film Commission

Safety on the Set

Police department
It is recommended that arrangements for all on-location shoots be made with local police forces. Allow one to two months processing time for permits covering unusually difficult shoots (stunts, helicopter landings, etc.).

Safety regulations on the set
An on-call arrangement with a local physician is recommended but typically not mandatory. However, local authorities may require the presence of a physician and an ambulance during high-risk filming, e.g. the use of pyrotechnic effects, stunts, helicopter landings, etc.) An ambulance can be called by dialing 144 (Austria-wide, no area code necessary).

In Austria, emergency medical help is granted to everyone. For visitors from countries which have a bilateral social security insurance agreement with Austria (e.g. Germany) medical treatment is carried out under the International Treatment Form E 111. Citizens of the USA, Canada or India are advised to arrange for private medical insurance before departure, since no such bilateral agreement with these countries is in effect. The bill for the medical treatment performed will be sent to the home address of the patient after the completion of treatment.

An emergency physician dispatch service is available from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am, and on all weekends and public holidays, by calling the emergency telephone number 141 (Austria-wide, no area code necessary). Individuals not insured in Austria will be charged for services rendered.

Emergency telephone numbers


Fire Department and Ambulance

Fire Department and Ambulance personnel and equipment can be hired for productions at any time. Contact the Fire Department Headquarters in Vienna to coordinate time, place and to check for availability. In the regional capitals, the professional fire department can be contacted. In smaller towns, voluntary fire brigades are available.

Fire Department Headquarters, Vienna
Am Hof 9
A-1010 Vienna
T: (+43) (0)1 53199 -0
F: (+43) (0)1 53199 -51690

To hire an ambulance and paramedics in Vienna, please contact the Department 70 of the City Administration (MA 70). In the regional capitals, the local Red Cross offices will handle all inquiries. Ambulances can typically only be rented alongside two paramedics.

MA 70 – Ambulance and Medical Transport Services, Vienna
Radetzkystraße 1
A-1030 Vienna
T: (+43) (0)1 71119 -0

Austrian Red Cross
Wiedner Hauptstraße 32
A-1040 Vienna
T: (+43) (0)1 79580


Video: International Film Production in Austria


Drehbuch Wettbewerb Abenteuer Österreich


"Vienna was the perfect city to film in... and... the crew and the city were very supportive. It was great!"

Richard Linklater, Director