Bordeaux

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Emergency Services

Sections

1. General Emergency Numbers in France

In France, including Bordeaux, there are universal emergency numbers that you can call for immediate assistance. These numbers are free of charge and can be dialed from any phone, including mobile phones without credit or a SIM card.

  • 112: The European emergency number for all types of emergencies (police, fire, medical). This number works across the EU and is ideal for tourists who may not know the specific French numbers.
  • 114: Emergency number for people with hearing or speech impairments (accessible via text message).

2. Police Services (Police Nationale and Gendarmerie)

The police in Bordeaux are responsible for maintaining law and order, handling crimes, and assisting in emergencies.

Contact Information

  • Police Nationale (Urban Areas): Dial 17 for immediate police assistance.
  • Gendarmerie (Rural Areas): Dial 17 (same as Police Nationale).
  • Local Police Station in Bordeaux:
    • Address: Commissariat Central de Bordeaux, 23 Rue François de Sourdis, 33000 Bordeaux
    • Phone: +33 5 57 85 77 77
    • Opening Hours: 24/7 for emergencies; administrative services may have limited hours.

Procedures

  • In case of an emergency (e.g., theft, assault, or witnessing a crime), dial 17 or 112.
  • For non-urgent matters (e.g., filing a report for a lost item), visit the nearest police station.
  • If you don’t speak French, request an English-speaking officer. Many officers in Bordeaux are trained to assist tourists and may have basic English proficiency.

Costs

  • Police services are free of charge for emergencies and filing reports.

Local Considerations

  • Always carry identification (passport or ID card) as police may request it.
  • Be polite and cooperative when interacting with officers.
  • If you are a victim of theft, file a report (déclaration de vol) at the police station. This is essential for insurance claims.

3. Fire and Rescue Services (Sapeurs-Pompiers)

The fire brigade in Bordeaux handles fires, accidents, and rescue operations, including road accidents and natural disasters.

Contact Information

  • Fire Brigade (Sapeurs-Pompiers): Dial 18 for fire-related emergencies.
  • Universal Emergency Number: Dial 112 if you are unsure which service to call.

Procedures

  • Provide your location and a clear description of the emergency (e.g., fire, trapped individuals, gas leak).
  • Stay on the line until the operator confirms they have all the necessary information.
  • Evacuate the area if instructed to do so.

Costs

  • Emergency fire services are free of charge.
  • If the fire brigade is called for non-emergency situations (e.g., removing a cat from a tree), there may be a fee.

Local Considerations

  • Firefighters in France are highly respected and often double as paramedics in medical emergencies.
  • Avoid blocking access to fire hydrants or emergency vehicles, as this is strictly enforced.

4. Medical Emergency Services (SAMU and Ambulances)

Medical emergencies in Bordeaux are handled by the SAMU (Service d'Aide Médicale Urgente) and private ambulance services.

Contact Information

  • SAMU (Medical Emergencies): Dial 15 for life-threatening medical situations.
  • Universal Emergency Number: Dial 112 if you are unsure.
  • SOS Médecins Bordeaux (Doctors on Call):

Procedures

  • When calling 15 or 112, provide:
    • Your location (address or landmark).
    • The nature of the emergency (e.g., heart attack, accident).
    • The condition of the patient (conscious, breathing, etc.).
  • Follow the operator’s instructions. They may dispatch an ambulance or advise you to visit the nearest hospital.

Costs

  • Emergency medical services are generally free for life-threatening situations.
  • If you are taken to the hospital, costs may apply depending on your insurance:
    • EU citizens with an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) are covered for most medical expenses.
    • Non-EU citizens should check their travel insurance for coverage.
  • Private ambulance services may charge a fee (approximately €100–€300 depending on the distance).

Local Considerations

  • Bordeaux has several excellent hospitals, including:
    • Hôpital Pellegrin (CHU de Bordeaux): 1 Place Amélie Raba Léon, 33076 Bordeaux. Phone: +33 5 56 79 56 79.
    • Clinique Saint-Augustin: 114 Avenue d'Arès, 33074 Bordeaux. Phone: +33 5 56 56 56 56.
  • Pharmacies in Bordeaux operate on a rotation system for after-hours services. Look for a sign indicating the nearest "pharmacie de garde" (on-duty pharmacy).

5. Cultural and Practical Tips for Using Emergency Services

  • Language Barrier: While operators may speak some English, it’s helpful to know basic French phrases like:
    • "Je ne parle pas français. Parlez-vous anglais ?" (I don’t speak French. Do you speak English?)
    • "Il y a une urgence." (There is an emergency.)
  • Stay Calm: Provide clear and concise information to the operator.
  • Emergency Apps: Consider downloading apps like "SAIP" (Système d’Alerte et d’Information des Populations) for real-time alerts about emergencies in France.
  • Reporting Crimes: If you lose your passport or are a victim of theft, contact your embassy after filing a police report.

6. Summary of Emergency Numbers

| Service | Number | |-------------------------|------------| | Universal Emergency | 112 | | Police | 17 | | Fire Brigade | 18 | | Medical (SAMU) | 15 | | Hearing/Speech Impaired | 114 |

By familiarizing yourself with these emergency services and procedures, you can ensure a safer and more secure experience in Bordeaux. If you have further questions or need additional assistance, feel free to ask!