Seville

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Emergency Services in Seville, Spain

Seville, the capital of Andalusia, has a well-organized emergency response system that caters to residents, visitors, and immigrants. Below is a detailed breakdown of the emergency services available, how to access them, and important considerations.

1. Emergency Contact Numbers

Spain uses a centralized emergency number system, and Seville is no exception. Here are the key numbers you need to know:

  • 112: General Emergency Number (Police, Fire, Medical)

    • This is the universal emergency number in Spain and is free to call from any phone, including mobile phones without credit or a SIM card. Operators are available 24/7 and can assist in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French.

  • 091: National Police (Policía Nacional)

    • For reporting crimes, theft, or other security-related issues.

  • 092: Local Police (Policía Local)

    • For traffic accidents, local disturbances, or municipal issues.

  • 061: Medical Emergencies (Ambulance Service)

    • For urgent medical assistance.

  • 080: Fire Department (Bomberos)

    • For fire-related emergencies.

  • 062: Civil Guard (Guardia Civil)

    • For rural emergencies, border control, and highway incidents.

  • 085: Forest Fires

    • For emergencies involving wildfires or forest fires.

2. Categories of Emergency Services

A. Police Services

  • Policía Nacional (National Police):

    • Handles serious crimes, such as theft, assault, and fraud. They also assist with immigration issues and lost passports.
    • Contact: 091
    • Local Office in Seville:
      • Address: Calle de la Alameda de Hércules, 30, 41002 Sevilla
      • Hours: 24/7 for emergencies; office hours for administrative tasks.

  • Policía Local (Local Police):

    • Focuses on traffic control, minor disturbances, and municipal law enforcement.
    • Contact: 092
    • Local Office in Seville:
      • Address: Plaza de la Alameda de Hércules, 1, 41002 Sevilla
      • Hours: 24/7 for emergencies.

  • Guardia Civil:

    • Operates in rural areas and on highways. They also handle customs and border control.
    • Contact: 062

B. Medical Services

  • Emergency Medical Assistance (Ambulance):

    • Dial 061 for urgent medical emergencies. Ambulances are dispatched quickly and are equipped with trained paramedics.
    • Cost:
      • Emergency medical services are free for EU citizens with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
      • Non-EU visitors may be charged, depending on their travel insurance coverage. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance.
      • Immigrants with residency and registered in the Spanish healthcare system (Sistema Nacional de Salud) can access services for free or at a low cost.

  • Hospitals in Seville:

    • Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío
      • Address: Av. Manuel Siurot, s/n, 41013 Sevilla
      • Phone: +34 955 01 20 00
      • Specializes in trauma, surgery, and critical care.
    • Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena
      • Address: Calle Dr. Fedriani, 3, 41009 Sevilla
      • Phone: +34 955 00 80 00
      • Known for general and emergency care.

  • Pharmacies (Farmacias):

    • Pharmacies in Seville are well-distributed and provide over-the-counter medications. Look for a green cross sign.
    • For after-hours service, check the list of Farmacias de Guardia (on-duty pharmacies), which is posted on pharmacy doors or available online.

C. Fire Services

  • Bomberos (Firefighters):
    • Dial 080 for fire-related emergencies, including building fires, vehicle fires, or rescue operations.
    • Local Fire Stations in Seville:
      • Address: Calle Demetrio de los Ríos, 1, 41003 Sevilla
      • Phone: +34 954 42 22 22

D. Other Emergency Services

  • Forest Fires (Incendios Forestales):

    • Dial 085 for emergencies involving wildfires, especially during the dry summer months.

  • Tourist Assistance:

    • Seville has a dedicated Tourist Assistance Service to help visitors who encounter emergencies such as theft or loss of documents.
    • Contact: +34 955 47 12 32
    • Location: Plaza del Triunfo, 1, 41004 Sevilla (near the Cathedral).

3. Procedures for Accessing Emergency Services

  1. Dial the Appropriate Number:

    • Call 112 for any emergency if you are unsure which service to contact. The operator will direct your call to the appropriate department.

  2. Provide Key Information:

    • State your name, location, and the nature of the emergency.
    • If you do not speak Spanish, request assistance in English or another language.

  3. Follow Instructions:

    • Stay on the line until the operator confirms that help is on the way.
    • If you are in a public place, ask locals for assistance—they are generally helpful and willing to guide you.

  4. For Medical Emergencies:

    • If you need to visit a hospital, bring your ID, EHIC (if applicable), or proof of insurance.
    • If you are uninsured, you may need to pay for services upfront and claim reimbursement later.

4. Costs for Emergency Services

  • Police and Fire Services:

    • Free of charge for all residents, visitors, and immigrants.

  • Medical Services:

    • Free for EU citizens with an EHIC.
    • Non-EU visitors may incur costs depending on the treatment and their insurance coverage.
    • Immigrants with residency and registered in the public healthcare system can access services for free or at a reduced cost.

  • Ambulance Services:

    • Free for emergencies. Non-emergency transport may incur a fee.

5. Local Considerations and Tips

  • Language Barrier:

    • While emergency operators often speak English, it is helpful to know basic Spanish phrases like:
      • "Necesito ayuda" (I need help).
      • "Hay una emergencia" (There is an emergency).
      • "Estoy herido/a" (I am injured).

  • Pickpocketing and Theft:

    • Seville is generally safe, but pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas like the Cathedral, Alcázar, or Triana Market. Keep your belongings secure and report theft to the Policía Nacional.

  • Cultural Sensitivity:

    • Spaniards are generally warm and helpful. If you need assistance, approach locals politely, and they will likely help you contact emergency services.

  • Tourist Assistance:

    • If you lose your passport or other important documents, contact your embassy or consulate immediately. The Policía Nacional can provide a report for insurance or replacement purposes.

  • Emergency Apps:

    • Download the My112 app, which allows you to contact emergency services and share your location directly with operators.

6. Key Contacts Summary

| Service | Number | Notes | |------------------------|--------|-----------------------------------------| | General Emergency | 112 | Multilingual operators available. | | National Police | 091 | For crimes and security issues. | | Local Police | 092 | For traffic and municipal issues. | | Medical Emergencies | 061 | Ambulance and urgent medical care. | | Fire Department | 080 | Fire-related emergencies. | | Civil Guard | 062 | Rural and highway emergencies. | | Forest Fires | 085 | Wildfire emergencies. |

By keeping this information handy, you can navigate Seville’s emergency services effectively and ensure your safety during your stay.