Uppsala
Emergency Services
Information on how to contact police, fire departments, and medical emergency services in Uppsala.
Sections
1. Overview of Emergency Services in Uppsala
Emergency services in Uppsala include:
- Medical Emergencies (ambulance, hospitals, urgent care)
- Police Services (crime reporting, public safety)
- Fire and Rescue Services (firefighting, rescue operations)
- Poison Control (advice on poisoning incidents)
The emergency number in Sweden is 112, which is free to call and connects you to all emergency services. Operators speak Swedish and English, and translation services are available for other languages.
2. Costs of Emergency Services
a. Medical Emergencies
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Ambulance Services:
- Ambulance transport is not free, even in emergencies. The cost is typically 400โ1,200 SEK (Swedish Krona), depending on the region and circumstances. However, this fee is heavily subsidized by the government.
- If you have Swedish health insurance or are an EU/EEA citizen with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), the cost is reduced or covered.
- Visitors from non-EU countries should check if their travel insurance covers ambulance services.
-
Emergency Room Visits:
- For residents with Swedish personal numbers (personnummer), the cost of an emergency room visit is 400โ500 SEK.
- For visitors without Swedish health insurance, the cost can range from 2,000โ3,000 SEK or more, depending on the treatment required. Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover these expenses.
-
Hospitalization:
- If admitted to a hospital, the daily cost for residents is capped at 100 SEK per day. For non-residents, the cost can be significantly higher, often exceeding 5,000 SEK per day.
b. Police Services
- Police assistance is free of charge. This includes reporting crimes, requesting help in emergencies, or seeking advice. However, fines or penalties may apply if you are found in violation of Swedish laws (e.g., traffic violations).
c. Fire and Rescue Services
- Fire and rescue services are free for emergencies. However, if the fire department is called for non-emergency situations (e.g., false alarms or preventable incidents), you may be charged a fee, which can range from 5,000โ10,000 SEK.
d. Poison Control
- The Swedish Poison Information Centre (Giftinformationscentralen) provides free advice over the phone at 010-456 6700. This service is available 24/7 and is free of charge.
3. Procedures for Accessing Emergency Services
a. Calling 112
- Dial 112 for any life-threatening emergency. Be prepared to provide:
- Your location (address or landmarks)
- The nature of the emergency
- Your contact information
- The operator will dispatch the appropriate service (ambulance, police, fire, etc.).
b. Non-Emergency Medical Assistance
- For non-urgent medical issues, call 1177 (Vรฅrdguiden). This is a 24/7 helpline where you can speak to a nurse for advice. The service is free, and operators speak Swedish and English.
- You can also visit a local vรฅrdcentral (healthcare center) for minor injuries or illnesses. Costs for residents are typically 200โ300 SEK per visit, while non-residents may pay higher fees.
c. Reporting Crimes
- For non-urgent police matters, call 114 14. This includes reporting theft, lost property, or minor incidents.
- You can also visit the local police station in Uppsala, located at Svartbรคcksgatan 49.
d. Fire Safety
- In case of a fire, evacuate immediately and call 112. Fire alarms are common in Swedish buildings, and it is mandatory to follow evacuation procedures during drills or actual emergencies.
4. Local Considerations
a. Language
- Most emergency service personnel in Uppsala speak English fluently, so language barriers are minimal. However, learning a few basic Swedish phrases (e.g., "Hjรคlp!" for "Help!") can be useful.
b. Personal Identification
- Always carry your ID or passport, as emergency services may require it for identification and billing purposes.
c. Insurance
- Residents: If you are a resident of Sweden, ensure you are registered with the Swedish healthcare system and have a personal number (personnummer). This significantly reduces costs for medical emergencies.
- Visitors: Travel insurance is highly recommended. Check your policy to ensure it covers medical emergencies, ambulance transport, and repatriation if necessary.
d. Cultural Norms
- Swedes value efficiency and order. When calling emergency services, remain calm, provide clear information, and follow instructions carefully.
- Avoid calling 112 for non-emergencies, as misuse of the emergency line is taken seriously and may result in fines.
e. Accessibility
- Emergency services in Uppsala are highly accessible, with well-equipped hospitals such as Akademiska Sjukhuset (Uppsala University Hospital), which is one of Sweden's leading medical facilities.
- Pharmacies (Apotek) are widely available for minor health concerns. Some are open 24/7, such as Apoteket Svanen in central Uppsala.
5. Key Contacts
- Emergency Number (All Services): 112
- Non-Emergency Medical Advice: 1177
- Non-Emergency Police: 114 14
- Poison Control: 010-456 6700
- Uppsala University Hospital: +46 18 611 00 00
- Local Police Station: +46 114 14 (Svartbรคcksgatan 49)
6. Summary of Costs
| Service | Residents | Non-Residents | |----------------------------|-----------------------|------------------------| | Ambulance Transport | 400โ1,200 SEK | 2,000โ5,000+ SEK | | Emergency Room Visit | 400โ500 SEK | 2,000โ3,000+ SEK | | Hospitalization (per day) | 100 SEK | 5,000+ SEK | | Police Assistance | Free | Free | | Fire and Rescue Services | Free (emergencies) | Free (emergencies) | | Poison Control Advice | Free | Free |
By understanding these financial and procedural aspects, you can navigate Uppsalaโs emergency services with confidence. Always ensure you have appropriate insurance coverage and familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers and procedures.