Lund

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Emergency Communication

Sections

1. Contacting Emergency Services in Lund

In Sweden, including Lund, emergency services are centralized and easy to access. Hereโ€™s how you can contact them:

Emergency Number: 112

  • What it Covers: Dial 112 for police, fire brigade, ambulance, sea rescue, air rescue, poison information, and other urgent emergencies.
  • Availability: The number is toll-free and operates 24/7.
  • Languages: Operators speak Swedish and English. If you donโ€™t speak either, they can connect you to an interpreter for other languages.
  • How to Call: Dial 112 from any phone (mobile or landline). You donโ€™t need a SIM card or credit on your phone to make the call.

Non-Emergency Numbers

  • Police (Non-Urgent Matters): Dial 114 14 for non-urgent police assistance, such as reporting a theft or lost property.
  • Healthcare Advice: Dial 1177 for non-emergency medical advice. This is the Swedish Healthcare Guide (Vรฅrdguiden), available 24/7.
  • Poison Information: Dial 010-456 6700 for advice on poisoning (non-urgent cases).

2. Communication Methods Available

Sweden has a robust communication infrastructure, ensuring you can reach emergency services in various ways:

Mobile Phones

  • Mobile networks in Lund are reliable and cover the entire city, including rural areas.
  • You can use any mobile phone to call 112, even without a Swedish SIM card or credit.

Landlines

  • Public phones are rare in Sweden, but landlines in homes, hotels, and businesses can be used to call 112.

SMS for Emergency Services

  • If you are hearing or speech impaired, you can register for the SMS 112 service in advance. This allows you to send a text message to emergency services.
  • To register, visit the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) website and follow the instructions.

Emergency Apps

  • SOS Alarm App: Download the SOS Alarm app (available on iOS and Android). It allows you to call 112 and automatically shares your location with emergency services.
  • Krisinformation App: This app provides real-time updates and alerts during emergencies, such as natural disasters or major incidents.

3. Costs Associated with Emergency Communication

  • Calling 112: Free of charge.
  • Non-Emergency Numbers: Calls to 114 14 (police) and 1177 (healthcare advice) are charged at local rates, which are typically low if you have a Swedish SIM card or a local phone plan.
  • Interpreter Services: Free when calling 112. For non-emergency calls, interpreter services may not always be available.

4. Procedures to Follow in Case of an Emergency

If you encounter an emergency in Lund, follow these steps:

Step 1: Assess the Situation

  • Determine if the situation is life-threatening or requires immediate assistance (e.g., fire, medical emergency, crime in progress).
  • If itโ€™s urgent, call 112. If not, use the appropriate non-emergency number.

Step 2: Provide Key Information

When calling 112, be prepared to provide:

  • Your location: Be as specific as possible. If youโ€™re unsure, describe landmarks or use the SOS Alarm app to share your GPS location.
  • The nature of the emergency: Explain what has happened (e.g., fire, accident, medical issue).
  • Details of those involved: Number of people affected, their condition, and any immediate dangers.

Step 3: Follow Instructions

  • Stay on the line until the operator tells you to hang up.
  • Follow any instructions given, such as performing first aid or evacuating the area.

Step 4: Stay Calm

  • Remaining calm helps you communicate clearly and ensures emergency responders can assist you effectively.

5. Local Considerations and Tips for Lund

Lund is a small, safe, and well-organized city, but emergencies can still happen. Here are some local tips:

Cultural Considerations

  • Swedes value efficiency and direct communication. Be concise and clear when describing the emergency.
  • Emergency responders are highly trained and will take control of the situation upon arrival.

Language Barriers

  • Most Swedes speak English fluently, including emergency operators and responders. However, if you donโ€™t speak English or Swedish, ask for an interpreter when calling 112.

Addressing Locations

  • Lund is a walkable city with many landmarks. Familiarize yourself with key locations (e.g., Lund Cathedral, Lund Central Station) to help describe your position in an emergency.
  • If youโ€™re in a rural area or nature reserve near Lund, use GPS coordinates or the SOS Alarm app to share your location.

Health Emergencies

  • Lund has excellent healthcare facilities, including Skรฅne University Hospital (Skรฅnes Universitetssjukhus), which is one of the largest hospitals in Sweden. In a medical emergency, you may be taken here.
  • Pharmacies (Apotek) are widely available for minor health issues. Look for the green cross sign.

Weather-Related Emergencies

  • Lund experiences cold winters with snow and ice. Be cautious of slippery roads and sidewalks. In case of a fall or injury, call 112 for assistance.
  • During storms or heavy rain, check the Krisinformation app for updates on weather-related disruptions.

Emergency Preparedness

  • Save important numbers (112, 114 14, 1177) in your phone.
  • Keep a basic first aid kit and a charged mobile phone with you at all times.
  • If youโ€™re an immigrant, consider learning basic Swedish phrases for emergencies, such as:
    • "Hjรคlp!" (Help!)
    • "Jag behรถver en ambulans." (I need an ambulance.)
    • "Det รคr en brand." (There is a fire.)
    • "Jag รคr skadad." (I am injured.)

6. Additional Resources

  • Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB): Provides information on emergency preparedness in Sweden. Website: www.msb.se
  • Krisinformation.se: Official Swedish website for crisis information. Offers updates in multiple languages.
  • Local Police Station in Lund: Visit the Lund police station for non-urgent matters. Address: Byggmรคstaregatan 1, 222 37 Lund.

By following these guidelines, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to handle emergencies in Lund, Sweden. Stay safe!