Call 119 if you need an ambulance. If you don’t have a phone, public telephones can be used for free by pressing the red button on the front. If you don’t speak Japanese, remember to speak slowly when talking to the operator. The Japan Helpline (0120 461 997) also provides English emergency telephone assistance 24 hours a day. Ambulances are free but don’t expect the level of care that you may be used to back in your home country. Hospitals have emergency departments but not every person in need of care is accepted. In the event of an emergency your ambulance will call hospitals in the vicinity to see if they can admit you – don’t be surprised if a number of calls are made before you find a place. A good place to try is the Japan Red Cross Medical Center, as they have English-speaking staff.