Paris

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Emergency Contacts

Sections

Emergency Contacts in Paris, France

1. General Emergency Number: 112

  • What it is: The European Union-wide emergency number.
  • When to use: For any type of emergency (police, medical, fire) if you are unsure which specific service to call.
  • How to contact: Dial 112 from any phone (mobile or landline). The call is free of charge.
  • Languages: Operators typically speak French, but many also speak English and other major European languages.
  • Procedure:
    1. State your location clearly (address, landmarks, etc.).
    2. Describe the nature of the emergency (medical, fire, crime, etc.).
    3. Follow the operator’s instructions.
  • Local Tip: Use this number if you are a visitor and not familiar with the French emergency system.

2. Police (For Law Enforcement and Crime-Related Emergencies)

  • Number: 17
  • When to use: To report a crime in progress, theft, assault, or any situation requiring immediate police intervention.
  • How to contact: Dial 17 from any phone. The call is free.
  • Procedure:
    1. Provide your location and describe the situation.
    2. If you are a victim of theft or assault, try to remain calm and provide as much detail as possible.
    3. If you need to file a police report (e.g., for stolen items), you may need to visit the nearest police station (commissariat de police).
  • Local Tip: For non-urgent matters, you can visit a police station directly or use the online reporting system for minor crimes (available in French).

3. Fire Brigade (For Fires, Accidents, and Rescue Operations)

  • Number: 18
  • When to use: For fires, accidents, or situations requiring rescue (e.g., someone trapped in a building or vehicle).
  • How to contact: Dial 18 from any phone. The call is free.
  • Procedure:
    1. Clearly state the location of the incident.
    2. Describe the nature of the emergency (e.g., fire, gas leak, trapped person).
    3. Follow the operator’s instructions and evacuate the area if necessary.
  • Local Tip: The Paris Fire Brigade (Sapeurs-Pompiers de Paris) is also trained to handle medical emergencies, so they may respond to certain medical calls.

4. Medical Emergencies (SAMU - Emergency Medical Services)

  • Number: 15
  • When to use: For life-threatening medical emergencies, such as heart attacks, severe injuries, or unconsciousness.
  • How to contact: Dial 15 from any phone. The call is free.
  • Procedure:
    1. Provide your location and describe the medical emergency.
    2. Answer the operator’s questions about the patient’s condition.
    3. Follow instructions until help arrives.
  • Local Tip: If you need non-urgent medical assistance, consider visiting a local hospital or calling a doctor. Pharmacies in Paris also provide advice for minor health issues.

5. Poison Control Center

  • Number: +33 1 40 05 48 48 (Paris Poison Control Center)
  • When to use: For cases of poisoning, ingestion of harmful substances, or chemical exposure.
  • How to contact: Dial the number directly. Standard call charges may apply if calling from a mobile.
  • Procedure:
    1. Provide details about the substance involved and the affected person’s condition.
    2. Follow the operator’s advice on immediate actions to take.
  • Local Tip: Keep the packaging of the substance (if available) to provide accurate information.

6. SOS Doctors (Non-Urgent Medical Assistance)

  • Number: 36 24
  • When to use: For non-life-threatening medical issues requiring a doctor’s visit at home.
  • How to contact: Dial 36 24. Calls are charged at a local rate.
  • Procedure:
    1. Provide your address and describe the medical issue.
    2. A doctor will be dispatched to your location.
  • Local Tip: This service is particularly useful if you cannot visit a hospital or clinic.

7. Emergency Services for the Hearing or Speech Impaired

  • Number: 114 (Text-based emergency service)
  • When to use: For any type of emergency if you are unable to communicate verbally.
  • How to contact: Send a text message to 114. The service is free.
  • Procedure:
    1. Provide your location and describe the emergency in the text.
    2. Wait for a response with further instructions.
  • Local Tip: This service is available nationwide and is specifically designed for individuals with hearing or speech impairments.

Associated Costs

  • Emergency Calls: All emergency calls (112, 15, 17, 18, 114) are free of charge.
  • Medical Services: Emergency medical treatment in public hospitals is not free unless you have valid health insurance (e.g., European Health Insurance Card or private insurance). Costs may vary depending on the treatment.
  • Fire and Rescue Services: Free for emergencies. However, non-emergency interventions (e.g., removing a stuck ring) may incur charges.
  • Police Services: Free for emergency response and filing reports.

Local Considerations and Tips

  1. Language Barrier: While many operators speak English, it’s 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).
  2. Location Awareness: Always know your address or nearby landmarks to help emergency responders locate you quickly.
  3. SIM Cards and Phones: Emergency numbers can be dialed even without a SIM card or with a locked phone.
  4. Cultural Sensitivity: French emergency responders may expect concise and direct communication. Avoid unnecessary details unless asked.
  5. Pharmacies: Pharmacies in Paris are marked with a green cross and can provide first aid supplies and advice. Some are open 24/7 (look for “pharmacie de garde”).
  6. Emergency Apps: Consider downloading apps like “SAIP” (Système d’Alerte et d’Information des Populations) for real-time alerts about emergencies in France.

By keeping this information handy, you’ll be well-prepared to handle emergencies in Paris. Stay safe and enjoy your time in the city!