Fukuoka

🚨

Emergency Medical Services

How to access ambulances and emergency care in case of urgent medical needs.

Sections

1. Overview of Emergency Medical Services in Fukuoka

Fukuoka, a major city in southern Japan, has a well-organized and efficient emergency medical system. The city is equipped with modern hospitals, clinics, and ambulance services to handle medical emergencies. However, as a visitor or immigrant, it’s important to understand how the system works, including emergency numbers, costs, and cultural considerations.

2. Emergency Numbers in Fukuoka

  • Ambulance and Fire Services (119):
    Dial 119 for medical emergencies or to request an ambulance. This number is toll-free and available 24/7.

    • When calling, you may need to specify whether you need an ambulance ("kyΕ«kyΕ«sha") or fire services ("shōbōsha").
    • Operators may not always speak fluent English, so knowing basic Japanese phrases or having a translation app can be helpful.

  • Police (110):
    Dial 110 for police assistance in case of accidents or other emergencies. This number is also toll-free and operates 24/7.

  • Japan Helpline (0570-000-911):
    A 24-hour English-speaking helpline for foreigners in Japan. They can assist with medical emergencies and provide guidance.

  • Fukuoka Multilingual Call Center (092-286-9595):
    This service offers interpretation and assistance in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Korean. It can be helpful when communicating with medical staff.

3. Accessing Emergency Medical Services

A. Calling an Ambulance

  1. Dial 119 and state your emergency. If you don’t speak Japanese, say β€œEnglish, please” or use a translation app.
  2. Provide the following information:
    • Your location (use landmarks or your address).
    • The nature of the emergency (e.g., injury, illness, unconsciousness).
    • The number of people needing assistance.
  3. Wait for the ambulance to arrive. Ambulances in Japan are free of charge, but you will need to pay for the medical treatment you receive at the hospital.

B. Going Directly to a Hospital

  • If the situation is not life-threatening but still urgent, you can go directly to a hospital or clinic. Many hospitals in Fukuoka have emergency departments ("kyΕ«kyΕ« byōin").
  • Use a taxi or public transportation if an ambulance is not necessary. Taxis are reliable and widely available in Fukuoka.

C. Emergency Hospitals in Fukuoka

Here are some major hospitals in Fukuoka that provide emergency services:

  1. Fukuoka Red Cross Hospital (Fukuoka Sekijuji Byōin)

    • Address: 3-1-1 Otemon, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
    • Phone: 092-521-1211
    • Notes: Offers emergency care and has English-speaking staff.

  2. Kyushu University Hospital

    • Address: 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka
    • Phone: 092-641-1151
    • Notes: A large teaching hospital with advanced facilities.

  3. Fukuoka City Hospital

    • Address: 1-1-1 Chiyo, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
    • Phone: 092-633-2222
    • Notes: Provides emergency care and has multilingual support.

4. Costs of Emergency Medical Services

  • Ambulance Services:
    Ambulance rides are free in Japan, including Fukuoka. However, you will be responsible for the cost of medical treatment at the hospital.

  • Hospital Fees:

    • For uninsured visitors, medical costs can be high. A consultation may cost Β₯5,000–Β₯10,000, and additional tests or treatments can increase the bill significantly.
    • For residents with Japanese health insurance (National Health Insurance or Social Health Insurance), 70% of medical costs are covered, and you only pay 30% out-of-pocket.

  • Travel Insurance:
    Visitors are strongly advised to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. This can help you avoid high out-of-pocket expenses.

5. Procedures for Visitors and Immigrants

A. Visitors

  1. Carry Your Passport and Insurance Details:
    Always have your passport and travel insurance information with you. Hospitals may ask for identification and proof of insurance.
  2. Use Multilingual Support Services:
    If you don’t speak Japanese, use the Fukuoka Multilingual Call Center or a translation app to communicate with medical staff.

B. Immigrants

  1. Enroll in National Health Insurance (NHI):
    If you are a resident of Japan, you are required to enroll in NHI or Social Health Insurance. This will significantly reduce your medical expenses.
  2. Keep Your Health Insurance Card Handy:
    Always carry your health insurance card ("hokenshō") to present at hospitals or clinics.

6. Local Considerations and Cultural Tips

  • Language Barrier:
    While some hospitals in Fukuoka have English-speaking staff, many do not. It’s a good idea to learn basic Japanese medical phrases or use a translation app like Google Translate or Pocketalk.

  • Politeness and Patience:
    Japanese culture places a high value on politeness. Be patient and respectful when interacting with medical staff, even if there are communication challenges.

  • Emergency Preparedness:

    • Know the location of the nearest hospital or clinic to your residence or hotel.
    • Keep a list of emergency numbers and important phrases in Japanese, such as:
      • "KyΕ«kyΕ«sha o yonde kudasai" (ζ•‘ζ€₯θ»Šγ‚’ε‘Όγ‚“γ§γγ γ•γ„) – "Please call an ambulance."
      • "Watashi wa byōki desu" (私は病気です) – "I am sick."
      • "Watashi wa kega o shimashita" (私はζ€ͺζˆ‘γ‚’γ—γΎγ—γŸ) – "I am injured."

  • Pharmacies ("Yakkyoku"):
    For minor ailments, you can visit a pharmacy. Pharmacists in Japan are highly trained and can provide over-the-counter medications. Look for signs that say "θ–¬" (yakkyoku).

7. Additional Resources

8. Summary

Fukuoka’s emergency medical services are reliable and efficient, but navigating them as a visitor or immigrant requires preparation. Familiarize yourself with emergency numbers, carry insurance details, and use multilingual support services when needed. By understanding the procedures and cultural nuances, you can ensure that you receive prompt and effective care in case of a medical emergency.