Chongqing

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Emergency Services

Sections

1. General Overview of Emergency Services in Chongqing

Chongqing, one of China's largest cities, has a well-organized emergency response system. Emergency services are accessible via a set of nationwide emergency numbers. Most operators speak Mandarin Chinese, and English-speaking operators may not always be available, so it is advisable to have a local contact or translation app ready if you do not speak Chinese.

Key Emergency Numbers in Chongqing:

  • Police (Public Security Bureau): 110
  • Fire Services: 119
  • Medical Emergency (Ambulance): 120
  • Traffic Accidents: 122

These numbers are toll-free and can be dialed from any phone, including mobile phones without a SIM card.

2. Police Services (110)

The police in Chongqing handle public safety, crime, and emergencies requiring law enforcement.

When to Call:

  • Reporting a crime (e.g., theft, assault, fraud).
  • Lost or stolen property, including passports.
  • Situations involving personal safety or public disturbances.

Procedure:

  1. Dial 110 and provide your location and a brief description of the emergency.
  2. If you do not speak Chinese, say "English" (Yฤซngyว”, ่‹ฑ่ฏญ) to request an English-speaking operator. However, availability is limited.
  3. Police officers will be dispatched to your location if necessary.

Costs:

  • Police services are free of charge.
  • If you need to replace a lost passport or file a report for insurance purposes, you may need to visit the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) and pay administrative fees.

Local Considerations:

  • Always carry a copy of your passport and visa, as police may request identification.
  • Be respectful and cooperative when interacting with law enforcement.
  • If you are involved in a legal dispute, you may need a translator or legal assistance, as proceedings will be conducted in Chinese.

3. Fire Services (119)

The fire department in Chongqing handles fire-related emergencies, rescues, and hazardous material incidents.

When to Call:

  • Fires in buildings, vehicles, or public spaces.
  • Gas leaks or chemical spills.
  • Rescue situations (e.g., being trapped in an elevator).

Procedure:

  1. Dial 119 and describe the emergency. Provide your location as accurately as possible.
  2. Firefighters will be dispatched to the scene.

Costs:

  • Firefighting and rescue services are free of charge for emergencies.
  • If the fire was caused by negligence, you may be held liable for damages or fines.

Local Considerations:

  • Many residential buildings in Chongqing are high-rise apartments. Familiarize yourself with fire escape routes and emergency exits in your building.
  • Smoking is common in some areas, so be cautious about fire safety in public spaces.

4. Medical Emergency Services (120)

Chongqing has a robust healthcare system, and ambulances are available for medical emergencies.

When to Call:

  • Severe injuries or life-threatening conditions (e.g., heart attack, stroke, major trauma).
  • Sudden illness requiring immediate medical attention.

Procedure:

  1. Dial 120 and explain the medical emergency. Provide your location and any relevant details about the patientโ€™s condition.
  2. An ambulance will be dispatched to your location. Paramedics may provide basic care en route to the hospital.

Costs:

  • Ambulance services are not free. Costs typically range from ยฅ50 to ยฅ200 (approx. $7โ€“$30 USD), depending on the distance and level of care provided.
  • Payment is usually required at the hospital, and international visitors may need to pay upfront if they do not have local health insurance.
  • Emergency treatment costs vary by hospital and the severity of the condition. Public hospitals are generally more affordable than private ones.

Local Considerations:

  • Public hospitals can be crowded, and English-speaking staff may be limited. Consider visiting an international or private hospital for better language support.
  • Carry a list of your medications and any medical conditions translated into Chinese.
  • It is advisable to have travel or health insurance that covers medical emergencies in China.

5. Traffic Accidents (122)

Traffic accidents are common in Chongqing due to its mountainous terrain and dense traffic.

When to Call:

  • In the event of a traffic accident involving injuries or significant property damage.
  • If you are involved in a dispute over liability in a minor accident.

Procedure:

  1. Dial 122 and report the accident. Provide your location and details about the vehicles involved.
  2. Police officers will arrive to assess the situation and mediate disputes if necessary.

Costs:

  • Police assistance for traffic accidents is free.
  • If you are found at fault, you may be required to pay for damages or fines.

Local Considerations:

  • Always carry your driverโ€™s license, vehicle registration, and insurance documents if driving in Chongqing.
  • Dashcams are common and can be helpful in resolving disputes.

6. Additional Tips for Emergency Situations

  • Language Barrier: Most emergency operators and responders speak only Mandarin. If you do not speak Chinese, use a translation app or have a local contact assist you.
  • Mobile Apps: Consider downloading apps like WeChat or Baidu Maps, which can help you communicate and navigate in emergencies.
  • Emergency Phrases in Chinese:
    • Help! (Jiรนmรฌng! ๆ•‘ๅ‘ฝ!)
    • I need a doctor. (Wว’ xลซyร o yฤซshฤ“ng. ๆˆ‘้œ€่ฆๅŒป็”Ÿใ€‚)
    • Thereโ€™s a fire. (Zhรกohuว’ le! ็€็ซไบ†๏ผ)
    • Call the police. (Bร ojวng! ๆŠฅ่ญฆ๏ผ)

7. Key Hospitals in Chongqing

If you need medical attention, here are some major hospitals in Chongqing:

  1. Chongqing Emergency Medical Center (้‡ๅบ†ๆ€ฅๆ•‘ๅŒป็–—ไธญๅฟƒ)

    • Address: 1 Jiankang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing
    • Phone: +86 23 6369 9999
    • Specializes in emergency care and trauma.

  2. The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (้‡ๅบ†ๅŒป็ง‘ๅคงๅญฆ้™„ๅฑž็ฌฌไธ€ๅŒป้™ข)

    • Address: 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing
    • Phone: +86 23 8901 5000
    • Offers comprehensive medical services, including international patient support.

  3. United Family Healthcare Chongqing (้‡ๅบ†ๅ’Œ็ฆๅฎถๅŒป้™ข)

    • Address: 8 Yuma Road, Yubei District, Chongqing
    • Phone: +86 23 6531 8666
    • A private hospital with English-speaking staff and international-standard care.

8. Cultural Considerations

  • Crowds: Emergency services, especially in public hospitals, can be overwhelmed due to Chongqingโ€™s large population. Be prepared for potential delays.
  • Documentation: Always carry identification and health insurance details.
  • Respect for Authority: Emergency responders and police are highly respected in China. Be polite and cooperative during interactions.

By familiarizing yourself with these emergency services and procedures, you can navigate Chongqing with greater confidence and safety.