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Emergency Services in Nanjing, China

Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province, is a major city in eastern China with a well-established emergency services system. As a visitor or immigrant, it is crucial to understand how to access these services in case of an emergency. Below is a detailed guide to the emergency services available in Nanjing, including police, fire, and medical assistance.

1. General Emergency Numbers

China has a unified emergency number system, and the following numbers are applicable in Nanjing:

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. Operators typically speak Mandarin, so having a basic understanding of the language or access to a translator is helpful.

2. Police Services (110)

The police in Nanjing handle public safety, crime reporting, and general law enforcement.

When to Call:

To report a crime (theft, assault, etc.).
If you are lost or need assistance.
For any situation involving public safety.

Procedure:

Dial 110 and explain your situation. If you do not speak Mandarin, say "English" (英语, pronounced "Yīngyǔ") to request an English-speaking operator. However, English-speaking operators may not always be available.
Provide your location and a brief description of the issue.
Wait for assistance; police response times are generally quick in urban areas.

Costs:

Police services are free of charge.

Local Considerations:

Always carry a copy of your passport and visa, as police may ask for identification.
Be respectful and cooperative when interacting with law enforcement.
If you are involved in a legal issue, you may need to contact your embassy or consulate for assistance.

3. Fire Services (119)

The fire department in Nanjing is responsible for handling fires, rescues, and other emergencies involving hazardous materials.

When to Call:

In case of a fire.
For rescue operations (e.g., being trapped in a building or elevator).

Procedure:

Dial 119 and report the fire or emergency. If you do not speak Mandarin, try to communicate your location and the nature of the emergency as clearly as possible.
Provide your address or the nearest landmark.
Evacuate the area if it is safe to do so and wait for the fire department to arrive.

Costs:

Firefighting and rescue services are free of charge.

Local Considerations:

Fire safety standards in older buildings may not be as high as in newer constructions. Familiarize yourself with fire exits and emergency procedures in your residence or hotel.
Smoking indoors is prohibited in most public places, and violations can lead to fines.

4. Medical Emergency Services (120)

Nanjing has a robust medical emergency system, with ambulances operated by local hospitals and emergency medical centers.

When to Call:

For life-threatening medical emergencies (e.g., heart attack, severe injury, or unconsciousness).
If someone requires immediate medical attention and cannot be transported by private means.

Procedure:

Dial 120 and describe the medical emergency. If you do not speak Mandarin, say "English" and try to communicate the nature of the emergency and your location.
Provide your address or the nearest landmark.
An ambulance will be dispatched to your location.

Costs:

Ambulance services are not free. Costs typically range from ¥50 to ¥200 (approximately $7–$30 USD), depending on the distance and level of care required.
Payment is usually required at the hospital after treatment. Ensure you have cash or a payment method accepted in China (e.g., WeChat Pay, Alipay, or a UnionPay card).
Foreigners are advised to have travel or health insurance to cover medical expenses, as treatment costs can vary widely.

Local Considerations:

Most ambulance staff and hospital personnel speak limited English. It is advisable to have a translation app or a Chinese-speaking friend assist you.
Emergency rooms in public hospitals can be crowded. For faster service, consider going to an international or private hospital, though costs will be higher.
Carry a list of your allergies, medications, and medical history in Chinese or have it translated in advance.

5. Traffic Accidents (122)

Traffic accidents are common in Nanjing due to the high volume of vehicles and pedestrians.

When to Call:

If you are involved in or witness a traffic accident.
To report a hit-and-run or other traffic-related issues.

Procedure:

Dial 122 and report the accident. Provide details about the location and the nature of the incident.
If there are injuries, also call 120 for medical assistance.
Wait for the traffic police to arrive. They will assess the situation and file a report.

Costs:

Traffic police services are free of charge.
If you are found at fault in an accident, you may be required to pay compensation or fines.

Local Considerations:

Do not move your vehicle after an accident unless instructed by the police.
If you are a foreign driver, ensure you have a valid Chinese driver’s license, as international licenses are not recognized in China.

6. Additional Tips for Emergency Situations

Language Barrier: Most emergency operators and responders speak Mandarin. If you do not speak the language, use a translation app like Google Translate or Pleco to communicate. Alternatively, ask a local for help.
Emergency Apps: Download apps like "WeChat" or "Alipay," which have features to share your location with friends or emergency contacts.
Embassy Assistance: Keep the contact information of your country’s embassy or consulate in Nanjing or nearby cities. They can provide assistance in emergencies.

7. Contact Information for Embassies and Consulates

Here are some key consulates near Nanjing (most are located in Shanghai, the nearest major city):

U.S. Consulate General in Shanghai:
Address: 1469 Huaihai Zhong Road, Shanghai
Phone: +86-21-8011-2200
British Consulate General in Shanghai:
Address: 17F, Garden Square, 968 West Beijing Road, Shanghai
Phone: +86-21-3279-2000
Australian Consulate General in Shanghai:
Address: Level 22, Citic Square, 1168 Nanjing West Road, Shanghai
Phone: +86-21-2215-5200

8. Summary Table of Emergency Numbers

| Service | Number | Language Availability | Cost | |-------------------------|------------|---------------------------|------------------| | Police | 110 | Mandarin, limited English | Free | | Fire Services | 119 | Mandarin, limited English | Free | | Medical Emergency | 120 | Mandarin, limited English | ¥50–¥200 | | Traffic Accidents | 122 | Mandarin, limited English | Free |

By familiarizing yourself with these emergency services and procedures, you can ensure a safer and more secure experience while living in or visiting Nanjing.