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Medical Emergencies

Information on accessing emergency medical care, including hospitals and ambulance services.

Sections

1. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Japan

Japan has a well-organized emergency medical system, but it operates differently from systems in other countries. Here’s what you need to know:

Emergency Numbers

  • 119: Dial this number for ambulance services or to report a fire. Operators are available 24/7.
    • Language Support: While operators primarily speak Japanese, some cities (e.g., Tokyo, Osaka) offer limited English or other language support. If you don’t speak Japanese, try to communicate your location and the nature of the emergency as clearly as possible.
  • 110: For police emergencies (not medical).

Ambulance Services

  • Ambulances in Japan are free of charge for transport to the hospital. However, you will be responsible for the medical costs incurred at the hospital.
  • Ambulances are dispatched by local fire departments and are equipped with basic life support equipment. Paramedics can provide first aid and stabilize patients but cannot administer advanced medical treatments (e.g., intravenous drugs) without a doctor’s approval.

When to Call an Ambulance

  • Call 119 for life-threatening emergencies such as:
    • Severe injuries or trauma
    • Heart attacks or strokes
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Loss of consciousness
    • Severe allergic reactions

2. Procedures for Medical Emergencies

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Call 119:

    • Clearly state your location (use landmarks if unsure of the address).
    • Describe the emergency (e.g., "person unconscious," "severe bleeding").
    • If you don’t speak Japanese, say “Eigo onegai shimasu” (English, please).

  2. Wait for the Ambulance:

    • Ambulances typically arrive quickly in urban areas but may take longer in rural regions.
    • Be prepared to assist paramedics by providing information about the patient’s condition, allergies, or medications.

  3. At the Hospital:

    • You will be taken to the nearest hospital that can handle your condition. Note that not all hospitals in Japan have emergency departments, and some may refuse patients if they lack the capacity or expertise.
    • In some cases, the ambulance may need to contact multiple hospitals to find one that can accept you, which can delay treatment.

  4. Treatment:

    • Once admitted, you will receive care based on the severity of your condition. Be aware that English-speaking medical staff may not be available, so having a translation app or a Japanese-speaking companion can be helpful.

3. Costs of Medical Emergencies

General Costs

  • Ambulance Transport: Free of charge.
  • Hospital Treatment:
    • Costs vary depending on the treatment and whether you have health insurance.
    • Without insurance, expect to pay the full cost, which can range from ¥10,000 to ¥500,000 or more for emergency care and hospitalization.
    • With Japan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) or Employee Health Insurance, you typically pay 30% of the total cost (or less for low-income individuals).

Health Insurance

  • National Health Insurance (NHI):
    • All residents, including immigrants staying in Japan for more than 3 months, are required to enroll in NHI or Employee Health Insurance.
    • NHI covers 70% of medical costs, including emergency care.
  • Travel Insurance:
    • Visitors should purchase travel insurance before arriving in Japan, as medical costs can be high without coverage.
    • Ensure your policy covers emergency medical evacuation, as this can be extremely expensive.

4. Cultural and Logistical Considerations

Language Barriers

  • Many medical professionals in Japan speak limited English, especially outside major cities. To prepare:
    • Carry a phrasebook or use a translation app (e.g., Google Translate, DeepL).
    • Write down key medical information (e.g., allergies, medications) in Japanese.

Hospital Availability

  • Not all hospitals accept emergency patients, and some may not have 24/7 emergency departments. Larger hospitals in urban areas are more likely to handle emergencies.
  • University hospitals and "Red Cross Hospitals" are generally well-equipped for emergencies.

Payment

  • Japanese hospitals typically require payment upfront or before discharge. Credit cards are accepted at most urban hospitals but may not be in rural areas.
  • If you cannot pay immediately, discuss payment options with the hospital staff.

Cultural Norms

  • Japanese medical staff are highly professional but may not explain procedures in detail unless asked. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or request clarification.
  • Privacy is highly respected, so medical staff may avoid discussing a patient’s condition in public areas.

Emergency Medical Information Services

  • Japan Helpline (24/7): 0570-000-911 (English support for emergencies).
  • AMDA International Medical Information Center: Provides multilingual support and can help you find English-speaking doctors. Call 03-6233-9266.

5. Tips for Visitors and Immigrants

  1. Prepare in Advance:

    • Know your nearest hospital with an emergency department.
    • Learn basic Japanese phrases for emergencies (e.g., "Byouin wa doko desu ka?" – Where is the hospital?).
    • Keep your health insurance card or travel insurance details with you at all times.

  2. Carry Identification:

    • Always carry your residence card (for immigrants) or passport (for visitors), as hospitals may require identification.

  3. Emergency Kits:

    • Keep a personal emergency kit with essential medications, a list of allergies, and contact information for family or friends.

  4. Know Your Embassy:

    • In case of a serious emergency, your embassy can provide assistance, such as contacting family members or helping with translation.

6. Key Resources

  • Tokyo English Lifeline (TELL): 03-5774-0992 (for mental health emergencies).
  • Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Hotline: 050-3816-2787 (24/7 multilingual support for tourists).

By understanding Japan’s emergency medical system and preparing in advance, you can ensure that you or your loved ones receive timely and effective care in the event of a medical emergency.