Quebec City

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Emergency Numbers

Key emergency contact numbers for police, fire, ambulance, and other urgent services.

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Emergency Numbers in Quebec City, Canada

In Quebec City, as in the rest of Canada, the universal emergency number is 911. This number connects you to all major emergency services, including police, fire, and medical assistance. Below is a detailed breakdown of the services covered, how to use them, and other important considerations.

1. Categories of Emergencies Covered by 911

When you dial 911, you can request assistance for the following emergencies:

a. Police Services

  • For crimes in progress, theft, assault, vandalism, or any situation where public safety is at risk.
  • If you witness suspicious activity or need immediate law enforcement intervention.

b. Fire Services

  • For fires, smoke, gas leaks, or hazardous material incidents.
  • If you suspect a fire hazard or need assistance with fire-related emergencies.

c. Medical Assistance

  • For life-threatening medical emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, severe injuries, or difficulty breathing.
  • If someone is unconscious, unresponsive, or in critical condition.

2. How to Request Assistance

a. Dialing 911

  • Simply dial 911 from any phone (landline, mobile, or payphone). The call is free of charge.
  • Stay calm and provide clear, concise information to the operator.

b. Information to Provide

  • Your location: Be as specific as possible (address, landmarks, or GPS coordinates if available).
  • Nature of the emergency: Clearly explain what is happening (e.g., "There is a fire in my building" or "Someone is unconscious").
  • Your phone number: In case the call gets disconnected, the operator can call you back.
  • Details of the situation: Answer any questions the operator asks to help them dispatch the appropriate services.

c. Language Considerations

  • Quebec is a predominantly French-speaking province, but 911 operators in Quebec City are trained to assist in both French and English.
  • If you are not fluent in either language, try to communicate as best as you can. Operators are trained to handle language barriers and may use translation services if necessary.

3. Costs Involved

  • Calling 911: There is no cost to call 911 from any phone.
  • Emergency Services:
    • Police and fire services are generally free for emergencies.
    • Ambulance services: In Quebec, there is a fee for ambulance transportation. As of 2023, the cost is approximately $125 CAD for the base fee, plus $1.75 CAD per kilometer traveled. These fees are typically billed to the patient afterward.
    • If you have travel insurance or health coverage, check whether ambulance fees are reimbursable.

4. Tips for Tourists and Newcomers

a. Know Your Location

  • Always be aware of your surroundings, including the name of your hotel, street address, and nearby landmarks. This will help you provide accurate information in an emergency.

b. Save Emergency Numbers

  • While 911 is the primary emergency number, you may also want to save the following non-emergency numbers:
    • Quebec City Police (Non-Emergency): +1 418-641-6211
    • Info-Santรฉ (Health Information Line): Dial 811 for non-urgent medical advice.
    • Poison Control Center (Quebec): +1 800-463-5060

c. Use Public Phones if Necessary

  • If your mobile phone is not working, you can use public payphones to call 911 for free.

d. Language Preparedness

  • If you are not fluent in French or English, consider carrying a card with key emergency phrases written in French (e.g., "J'ai besoin d'une ambulance" โ€“ "I need an ambulance").
  • Alternatively, use a translation app to assist in communication.

e. Be Aware of Cultural Norms

  • Quebecers are generally polite and helpful. If you are in a public place and need assistance, donโ€™t hesitate to ask locals for help in finding a phone or providing directions.

5. Additional Emergency Resources

a. Info-Santรฉ (811)

  • This is a free, 24/7 health information line where you can speak to a nurse for non-urgent medical advice. Itโ€™s ideal for situations where youโ€™re unsure if you need to go to the hospital.

b. Canadian Red Cross

  • The Red Cross provides disaster relief and emergency assistance. Visit their website or contact their local office for support in large-scale emergencies.

c. Embassy or Consulate

  • If you are a foreign visitor, keep the contact information for your countryโ€™s embassy or consulate in Canada. They can assist in emergencies involving lost passports, legal issues, or other crises.

6. Key Takeaways

  • 911 is the universal emergency number in Quebec City for police, fire, and medical emergencies.
  • Calls to 911 are free, but ambulance transportation incurs a fee.
  • Be prepared to provide your location and details about the emergency.
  • Operators can assist in both French and English, and translation services may be available for other languages.
  • Save non-emergency numbers like Info-Santรฉ (811) for less urgent situations.

By familiarizing yourself with these procedures and tips, youโ€™ll be better equipped to handle emergencies during your time in Quebec City. Stay safe!