Emergency Telephone Systems

UCSF Red emergency telephones are strategically located throughout the Campus and Medical Center. Use them: 

  • In an emergency 
  • When the Campus telephone system is out of service 

(Note: In a major disaster, these telephones may not be operational.) 

All emergency telephone numbers begin with 753-. 

Red emergency phones 

From a red emergency telephone: 

  • Call another 753- number on the emergency system by dialing the last 5 digits of the extension.  
    • For example, to reach 753-4556, dial 34556.  

You may also call Police emergency (911) from a red emergency telephone.  

No other services are provided from these telephones. 

Emergency phone protocol 

During any emergency: 

  • Use red emergency telephones only for the most serious incidents.  
  • Keep the number and length of calls to a minimum. 

View the UCSF Red Emergency Telephone Directory for phone locations. 

Note: ITS administers and maintains the UCSF Emergency Telephone System. For questions or assistance, contact the Service Desk or call (415) 514-4100. 

Emergency “blue light” telephones and panic alarms  

UCSF provides these telephones for immediately contacting public-safety services.  

  • They connect directly to the UCSF Police Department’s Emergency Communication Center (ECC).  

Prominently marked with signage and blue lights, these UCSF emergency telephones – also equipped with panic alarms – are located in UCSF buildings and parking structures throughout the campus.  

In addition, the University has installed emergency call buttons in campus parking structures and in open parking lots.  

  • When a call button activates, police officers are sent to that location immediately. 

The emergency blue light phones allow the public to talk directly to an ECC Public Safety Dispatcher to summon public safety services. 

The panic alarms send an emergency signal to the ECC. Police officers are dispatched to the alarm location.  

  • If you activate a panic alarm, make sure you are in safe location, and wait for police officers to arrive.  
  • If you have to move from the panic alarm location, call the ECC to let them know where you are, call: (415) 476-6911 or (415) 476-1414.