Shenzhen

๐Ÿšจ

Emergency Contacts

Sections

Emergency Contacts in Shenzhen, China

Shenzhen, as a major metropolitan city in China, has a well-organized emergency response system. However, understanding how to use these services effectively, especially as a visitor or immigrant, requires familiarity with the local procedures and cultural nuances.

1. General Emergency Numbers

China uses a three-digit emergency number system for different types of emergencies. These numbers are toll-free and can be dialed from any phone, including mobile phones without a SIM card.

  • Police (Public Security Bureau): 110

    • Services Offered: Reporting crimes, theft, harassment, lost property, or any situation requiring police intervention.
    • Language Support: Operators primarily speak Mandarin and Cantonese. Limited English support may be available, but it is not guaranteed. If you do not speak Chinese, try to remain calm and use simple words or phrases.
    • Cost: Free of charge.
    • Procedure: Provide your location (as accurately as possible), describe the situation briefly, and follow the operatorโ€™s instructions. If you are unable to communicate effectively, they may dispatch officers to your location based on GPS or cell tower data.

  • Fire Department: 119

    • Services Offered: Fire emergencies, rescue operations, and hazardous material incidents.
    • Language Support: Mandarin and Cantonese are the primary languages. English support is rare.
    • Cost: Free of charge for emergency response.
    • Procedure: Clearly state the location of the fire or incident and describe the situation. If possible, provide landmarks or nearby streets to help responders locate you quickly.

  • Ambulance/Medical Emergency: 120

    • Services Offered: Emergency medical assistance, including dispatching ambulances to the scene.
    • Language Support: Mandarin and Cantonese are the primary languages. English support is limited, so it is helpful to have a Chinese-speaking person assist you if possible.
    • Cost: The call is free, but ambulance services and subsequent medical treatment are not. Ambulance fees typically range from ยฅ50 to ยฅ100 (approx. $7โ€“$14 USD), and hospital treatment costs depend on the severity of the condition and the hospital.
    • Procedure: Provide your location and describe the medical emergency. If you know basic Chinese phrases, mentioning symptoms (e.g., "ๅคด็—›" for headache or "ๆต่ก€" for bleeding) can be helpful.

  • Traffic Accidents: 122

    • Services Offered: Reporting traffic accidents and requesting assistance for road-related emergencies.
    • Language Support: Mandarin and Cantonese are the primary languages. English support is minimal.
    • Cost: Free of charge.
    • Procedure: Provide details about the accident, including the location, number of vehicles involved, and any injuries.

2. Additional Emergency Numbers

  • Maritime Emergencies: 12395

    • For emergencies at sea, such as accidents involving boats or ships.
    • Language support is primarily in Mandarin.

  • Tourist Assistance Hotline: 12301

    • Services Offered: Assistance for tourists, including help with lost items, travel-related emergencies, and general inquiries.
    • Language Support: English support is available.
    • Cost: Free of charge.
    • Procedure: This hotline is particularly useful for non-Chinese speakers. Operators can provide guidance or connect you to the appropriate emergency service.

  • Electricity Emergency Hotline: 95598

    • For reporting power outages or electrical hazards.

  • Gas Emergency Hotline: 95158

    • For reporting gas leaks or related emergencies.

3. Language Support and Communication Tips

  • Language Barriers: While Shenzhen is an international city, emergency operators may not always speak English fluently. It is advisable to:

    • Learn a few basic Chinese phrases related to emergencies (e.g., "ๆ•‘ๅ‘ฝ" for "Help!" or "ๆˆ‘้œ€่ฆๆ•‘ๆŠค่ฝฆ" for "I need an ambulance").
    • Use translation apps like Google Translate or Pleco to communicate key information.
    • If possible, have a Chinese-speaking friend or colleague assist you during the call.

  • Cultural Nuances:

    • Be polite and patient when speaking to emergency operators. Shouting or showing frustration may hinder communication.
    • Provide clear and concise information. Avoid long explanations, as this may confuse the operator.
    • If you are in a public place, locals are often willing to help you communicate with emergency services.

4. Costs and Payment Considerations

  • Ambulance and Medical Costs: While calling 120 is free, you will be charged for ambulance services and any medical treatment you receive. Payment is typically required upfront or immediately after treatment unless you have insurance that covers medical expenses in China.
  • Insurance: Ensure you have travel or health insurance that covers emergency medical services in China. Keep a copy of your insurance details with you at all times.

5. Using Emergency Services as a Foreigner

  • Carry Identification: Always carry a copy of your passport, visa, and local address. This information may be requested by emergency responders or hospital staff.
  • Know Your Location: Familiarize yourself with your surroundings, including street names, landmarks, and nearby metro stations. This will help you provide accurate location details during an emergency.
  • Emergency Apps: Consider downloading apps like "WeChat" or "Baidu Maps," which can help you share your location with others or find nearby hospitals and police stations.

6. Non-Emergency Assistance

  • Local Police Stations: For non-urgent matters, you can visit the nearest police station. Most police stations in Shenzhen have a foreign affairs division that can assist non-Chinese speakers.
  • Hospitals with English-Speaking Staff: Some international hospitals and clinics in Shenzhen cater to foreigners and have English-speaking staff. Examples include:
    • Shenzhen United Family Hospital
    • Shenzhen Harmonicare Women & Childrenโ€™s Hospital

Summary Table of Emergency Numbers

| Service | Phone Number | Language Support | Cost | |---------------------------|------------------|----------------------------|------------------| | Police | 110 | Mandarin, Cantonese, limited English | Free | | Fire | 119 | Mandarin, Cantonese | Free | | Ambulance/Medical | 120 | Mandarin, Cantonese, limited English | Call free; ambulance fees apply | | Traffic Accidents | 122 | Mandarin, Cantonese | Free | | Maritime Emergencies | 12395 | Mandarin | Free | | Tourist Assistance Hotline| 12301 | English available | Free |

By keeping this information handy and familiarizing yourself with the procedures, you can navigate emergency situations in Shenzhen with greater confidence.