About
In Emergency
French emergency teams are efficient, friendly and quick to respond. Only one problem: operators won’t necessarily speak English. Therefore, it is advisable that when calling to have a list of important phrases on standby to get the help you need. If you have a recurring or permanent health problem and do not speak French, ask someone who does to write out your particular health conditions in French, and carry the information in your wallet or purse. In addition, the number 112 can be called from any cell phone. This is a European emergency number, and English-speaking operators are available. There are three main emergency response branches within France:
SAMU – The Service d’Aide Médicale d’Urgence deals with serious medical emergencies, providing ambulances and trained emergency response teams.
SAMU – The Service d’Aide Médicale d’Urgence deals with serious medical emergencies, providing ambulances and trained emergency response teams.
Sapeurs-Pompiers – The sapeurs-pompiers are firefighters by trade, but also have lifesaving medical training. Often the sapeurs-pompiers are the first response team at accident scenes.
Police – If you are a victim of a crime or domestic dispute, call the police. In nonemergencies, do not call the police emergency line.
