Nagoya
Emergency Services
Guidelines for accessing emergency medical and safety services in Nagoya.
Sections
1. General Overview of Emergency Services in Japan
Japan has a well-organized and efficient emergency response system. In Nagoya, as in the rest of Japan, emergency services are reliable, but there are some cultural and procedural nuances to be aware of. The three main emergency services are:
- Medical Emergencies (Ambulance Services)
- Fire Services
- Police Assistance
All emergency services can be accessed by dialing 110 (for police) or 119 (for fire and ambulance). Operators may not always speak fluent English, but translation services are often available.
2. Emergency Contact Numbers
- Police (for crimes, accidents, or general assistance): Dial 110
- Fire and Ambulance (for medical emergencies or fires): Dial 119
- English-Speaking Emergency Assistance (Tokyo English Lifeline, TELL): Dial 03-5774-0992 (not specific to Nagoya but helpful for English speakers in Japan)
3. Medical Emergencies
How to Call an Ambulance
- Dial 119 and say "Kyลซkyลซsha onegaishimasu" (ๆๆฅ่ปใ้กใใใพใ), which means "Please send an ambulance."
- Provide your location. If youโre unsure of your address, look for landmarks or ask someone nearby for help.
- State the nature of the emergency (e.g., "heart attack" or "injury"). If you donโt speak Japanese, say "English, please," and they may connect you to an interpreter.
Costs
- Ambulance services in Japan are free of charge. However, you will need to pay for any medical treatment or hospital stay.
- Medical costs can vary depending on the treatment, but Japan has a universal healthcare system. If you have Japanese health insurance, you will typically pay 30% of the total cost. Without insurance, the costs can be significantly higher.
Hospitals and Clinics
- Many hospitals in Nagoya have international departments or English-speaking staff. Some recommended facilities include:
- Nagoya University Hospital (English-speaking staff available)
- Nagoya City University Hospital
- Meijo Hospital
- For minor issues, you can visit a clinic (่จบ็ๆ, "shinryลjo"). Note that clinics may not always have English-speaking staff.
Cultural Considerations
- Japanese hospitals often require upfront payment for services if you donโt have insurance.
- Itโs common to remove your shoes or wear provided slippers in certain areas of the hospital.
- Be patient, as the process may involve paperwork and waiting times.
4. Fire Services
How to Report a Fire
- Dial 119 and say "Kaji desu" (็ซไบใงใ), which means "There is a fire."
- Provide your location and describe the situation.
Costs
- Firefighting services are free of charge.
Cultural Considerations
- Fire drills and preparedness are taken seriously in Japan due to the risk of earthquakes and fires. Many buildings, including hotels, have clear evacuation plans and fire extinguishers.
- If youโre staying in a hotel or apartment, familiarize yourself with the nearest emergency exits.
5. Police Assistance
How to Contact the Police
- Dial 110 and say "Keisatsu onegaishimasu" (่ญฆๅฏใ้กใใใพใ), which means "Please send the police."
- Provide your location and describe the situation. If you donโt speak Japanese, say "English, please."
When to Call the Police
- To report a crime, theft, or suspicious activity.
- For traffic accidents or lost property.
Costs
- Police assistance is free of charge.
Cultural Considerations
- Police in Japan are generally approachable and helpful, but they may ask detailed questions to fully understand the situation.
- If you lose something, report it to the nearest Kลban (ไบค็ช), or police box. These small neighborhood police stations are common in Nagoya and are very effective at helping recover lost items.
6. Additional Emergency Resources
Nagoya International Center (NIC)
- The NIC provides support for foreigners in Nagoya, including assistance with emergencies.
- Phone: 052-581-0100
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (closed on Mondays)
- They can help with translation, finding medical facilities, and general advice.
Japan Helpline
- A 24/7 English-speaking helpline for emergencies and general assistance.
- Phone: 0570-000-911
Earthquake and Disaster Preparedness
- Nagoya is in a seismically active area, so itโs important to be prepared for earthquakes.
- Download the Yurekuru Call app, which provides earthquake alerts in English.
- Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and emergency shelters in your area.
7. Practical Tips for Navigating Emergencies
- Language Barrier: While many emergency responders in Nagoya are trained to handle foreign visitors, English proficiency may vary. Carry a card with your address written in Japanese and basic phrases like "Help me" (ๅฉใใฆ, "Tasukete").
- Mobile Apps: Download apps like Google Translate or LINE for real-time translation.
- Emergency Kits: If youโre staying long-term, consider preparing an emergency kit with essentials like water, food, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Japanese people are generally polite and calm in emergencies. Try to remain composed and follow instructions carefully.
8. Summary Table of Key Information
| Service | Contact Number | Cost | Key Phrase | |-------------------------|--------------------|------------------|-------------------------------| | Police | 110 | Free | "Keisatsu onegaishimasu" | | Fire | 119 | Free | "Kaji desu" | | Ambulance | 119 | Free (treatment costs apply) | "Kyลซkyลซsha onegaishimasu" | | Nagoya International Center | 052-581-0100 | Free | N/A | | Japan Helpline | 0570-000-911 | Free | N/A |
By keeping this information handy, youโll be well-prepared to handle emergencies in Nagoya. Let me know if you need further assistance!