Galway

1. Categories of Emergency Services in Galway

Emergency services in Galway are categorized into the following main areas:

A. Medical Emergencies

• Service Providers:
  • The Health Service Executive (HSE) operates public healthcare services, including emergency medical care.
  • University Hospital Galway (UHG) is the primary hospital for emergency medical treatment in the region.
  • Ambulance services are provided by the National Ambulance Service (NAS).
• Emergency Number: Dial 112 or 999 for an ambulance or medical emergency.
• Services Offered:
  • Emergency Room (ER) services at UHG.
  • Ambulance and paramedic response.
  • Out-of-hours GP services (e.g., Westdoc for non-life-threatening issues).

B. Fire and Rescue Services

• Service Provider: Galway Fire and Rescue Service.
• Emergency Number: Dial 112 or 999 for fire emergencies.
• Services Offered:
  • Firefighting and rescue operations.
  • Assistance during road traffic accidents.
  • Hazardous material response.

C. Police (An Garda Síochána)

• Service Provider: An Garda Síochána (Irish Police Force).
• Emergency Number: Dial 112 or 999 for police assistance.
• Services Offered:
  • Crime prevention and investigation.
  • Public safety and order.
  • Road traffic incident response.
  • Community policing.

D. Coast Guard and Water Rescue

• Service Provider: Irish Coast Guard and Galway RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution).
• Emergency Number: Dial 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.
• Services Offered:
  • Maritime search and rescue.
  • Assistance for water-related emergencies (e.g., boating accidents, drowning).

E. Mental Health Crisis Services

• Service Providers:
  • HSE Mental Health Services.
  • Pieta House (suicide and self-harm crisis support).
  • Samaritans (confidential listening service).
• Emergency Numbers:
  • For immediate danger, dial 112 or 999.
  • Pieta House: 1800 247 247.
  • Samaritans: 116 123.

---

2. Costs Associated with Emergency Services

• Ambulance Services:
  • A standard charge of €100 applies for ambulance transport to the hospital, unless you hold a medical card, are covered by private health insurance, or are in certain exempt categories (e.g., children under 6 months).
• Emergency Room (ER) Visits:
  • A fee of €100 applies for non-medical cardholders attending the ER without a referral from a GP.
  • Free for medical cardholders and certain exempt groups.
• Fire and Rescue Services:
  • Fire services are generally free for life-threatening emergencies. However, charges may apply for non-emergency callouts (e.g., chimney fires or false alarms). Costs vary by local authority.
• Police Services:
  • Police assistance is free of charge.
• Mental Health Services:
  • Many crisis services (e.g., Pieta House, Samaritans) are free of charge.
  • Private counseling or therapy may incur costs, typically ranging from €50–€100 per session.

---

3. Procedures for Accessing Emergency Services

A. Dialing Emergency Numbers

• Dial 112 or 999 for immediate assistance. These numbers are free to call and work from any phone, including mobile phones without credit.
• Clearly state the nature of the emergency, your location, and any relevant details.

B. Medical Emergencies

• If you require an ambulance, dial 112 or 999.
• For less urgent medical issues outside of GP hours, contact Westdoc at 0818 360 000.
• If you visit the ER, bring identification and any relevant medical information (e.g., medical card, private insurance details).

C. Fire Emergencies

• Evacuate the area immediately and call 112 or 999.
• Provide clear details about the fire's location and any potential hazards.

D. Police Assistance

• For emergencies (e.g., crimes in progress, immediate danger), dial 112 or 999.
• For non-emergencies, contact the local Garda station. Galway Garda Station can be reached at +353 91 538 000.

E. Water or Maritime Emergencies

• Call 112 or 999 and request the Coast Guard.
• If you are near the water, look for lifebuoys or emergency contact points.

F. Mental Health Crises

• For immediate danger, call 112 or 999.
• For confidential support, contact Pieta House or Samaritans (details above).

---

4. Local Considerations and Tips

• Mobile Phones: Ensure your mobile phone is charged and has credit (if applicable). Emergency numbers work even without credit or a SIM card.
• Eircode: Familiarize yourself with your location's Eircode (postal code). Providing this code during an emergency call helps responders locate you quickly.
• Language: Emergency operators speak English and Irish. If you are not fluent in either, try to communicate as clearly as possible.
• Cultural Norms: Irish emergency services are professional and approachable. Do not hesitate to call if you are in doubt about the severity of a situation.
• Health Insurance: If you are an immigrant or visitor, check whether your health insurance covers emergency medical care in Ireland. Consider purchasing travel insurance if necessary.
• Fire Safety: Many homes and accommodations in Ireland are equipped with smoke alarms. Test these regularly and familiarize yourself with fire exits.
• Mental Health: Ireland has a strong focus on mental health support. Do not hesitate to reach out to services like Pieta House or Samaritans if you or someone you know is struggling.

---

5. Key Contact Numbers

| Service | Contact Number | |----------------------------|--------------------------| | Emergency Services (All) | 112 or 999 | | Galway Garda Station | +353 91 538 000 | | University Hospital Galway | +353 91 524 222 | | Westdoc (Out-of-Hours GP) | 0818 360 000 | | Pieta House | 1800 247 247 | | Samaritans | 116 123 |

---

By familiarizing yourself with these services and procedures, you can ensure that you are well-prepared to handle any emergencies during your time in Galway. Let me know if you need further assistance!