Lyon

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Emergency Services

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Emergency Services in Lyon, France

Lyon, as one of France's major cities, has a well-organized and efficient emergency services system. The city is equipped to handle emergencies related to law enforcement, fire, and medical needs. Below is a detailed breakdown of these services:

1. Police Services (Police Nationale and Police Municipale)

Purpose:

  • The police in Lyon are responsible for maintaining public order, ensuring safety, and responding to crimes or disturbances.

Emergency Contact Number:

  • 17 (Police Nationale - for emergencies such as crimes in progress, theft, assault, or disturbances)
  • 112 (European Emergency Number - can also connect you to the police)

Non-Emergency Contact:

  • For non-urgent matters, you can contact the local police station (commissariat). The main police station in Lyon is:
    • Commissariat Central de Lyon
    • Address: 40 Rue Marius Berliet, 69008 Lyon
    • Phone: +33 4 72 60 60 60

Procedure:

  1. Dial 17 or 112 in case of an emergency.
  2. Provide your location, the nature of the emergency, and any relevant details.
  3. If you do not speak French, ask for an English-speaking operator (many operators are trained to handle calls in English).

Costs:

  • Police services are free of charge for emergencies.

Cultural Considerations:

  • Be polite and concise when speaking to the police.
  • Always carry identification (passport or residence permit) as it is required by law in France.
  • Avoid taking matters into your own hands; let the police handle the situation.

2. Fire Services (Sapeurs-Pompiers)

Purpose:

  • The fire brigade in Lyon handles fires, accidents, rescues, and hazardous situations. They also provide first aid in certain emergencies.

Emergency Contact Number:

  • 18 (Fire Brigade)
  • 112 (European Emergency Number - can also connect you to the fire services)

Procedure:

  1. Dial 18 or 112 in case of a fire, accident, or rescue situation.
  2. Clearly describe the emergency and provide your location.
  3. Follow any instructions given by the operator.

Costs:

  • Fire services are generally free for emergencies. However, if the fire brigade is called for non-emergency situations (e.g., removing a stuck object or animal), there may be a fee.

Cultural Considerations:

  • Firefighters in France are highly respected. If they arrive on the scene, follow their instructions carefully.
  • Avoid blocking access to fire hydrants or emergency vehicles.

3. Medical Services (SAMU and Ambulance Services)

Purpose:

  • Medical emergencies in Lyon are handled by SAMU (Service d'Aide Médicale Urgente) and private ambulance services. SAMU provides urgent medical assistance, while ambulances transport patients to hospitals.

Emergency Contact Number:

  • 15 (SAMU - for medical emergencies)
  • 112 (European Emergency Number - can also connect you to medical services)

Procedure:

  1. Dial 15 or 112 for medical emergencies.
  2. Provide your location, the nature of the medical issue, and the condition of the patient.
  3. If necessary, an ambulance or medical team will be dispatched to your location.

Costs:

  • Emergency medical services are not entirely free. Costs depend on the type of service provided:
    • SAMU consultations are free.
    • Ambulance transport may incur a fee, which is partially or fully reimbursed if you have French health insurance (Carte Vitale) or travel insurance.
    • For uninsured individuals, costs can range from €50 to €200 depending on the distance and services provided.

Cultural Considerations:

  • French medical staff are professional and efficient. Be prepared to provide detailed information about the patient’s condition.
  • If you are a visitor, carry your travel insurance details and identification.
  • Pharmacies in Lyon are well-equipped and can provide minor medical assistance. Look for a green cross sign to locate one.

4. General Emergency Number: 112

  • 112 is the European-wide emergency number and can be used for police, fire, or medical emergencies. It is especially useful for tourists and non-French speakers, as operators are trained to handle calls in multiple languages.

5. Additional Emergency Services

Poison Control Center (Centre Antipoison):

  • For poisoning emergencies, contact the Lyon Poison Control Center.
  • Phone: +33 4 72 11 69 11

SOS Doctors (SOS Médecins):

  • For urgent but non-life-threatening medical issues, you can contact SOS Médecins, a private service that provides house calls.
  • Phone: +33 4 78 83 51 51
  • Website: www.sosmedecins.fr

Lost or Stolen Documents:

  • If your passport or other important documents are lost or stolen, report it to the police and contact your embassy or consulate in Lyon.

6. Key Tips for Using Emergency Services in Lyon

  • Language Barrier: While many emergency operators speak English, it is helpful to know basic French phrases like:
    • "Je suis en danger" (I am in danger).
    • "Il y a un incendie" (There is a fire).
    • "J’ai besoin d’un médecin" (I need a doctor).
  • Stay Calm: Provide clear and concise information to the operator.
  • Know Your Location: Always be aware of your address or nearby landmarks to help emergency services locate you quickly.
  • Emergency Apps: Consider downloading apps like "112 BE" or "SAIP" (French government’s alert app) for real-time emergency alerts and assistance.

7. Important Addresses in Lyon

  • Hospitals:

    • Hôpital Edouard Herriot (Main public hospital)
      • Address: 5 Place d'Arsonval, 69003 Lyon
      • Phone: +33 4 72 11 11 11
    • Clinique du Parc (Private hospital)
      • Address: 155 Ter Boulevard Stalingrad, 69006 Lyon
      • Phone: +33 4 72 44 88 88

  • Fire Stations:

    • Caserne de Lyon-Corneille
      • Address: 1 Rue Corneille, 69003 Lyon

  • Police Stations:

    • Commissariat Central de Lyon
      • Address: 40 Rue Marius Berliet, 69008 Lyon

By familiarizing yourself with these emergency services and procedures, you can ensure your safety and security while in Lyon. Always remember to act promptly and provide accurate information during emergencies.