Emergency medical phone number in Paris

The common European emergency number (112) works in Paris as well. In addition there are the "old" national French emergency numbers: 15 - medical ambulance 18 - fire brigade
17 - police and gendarmes

Deb, you should also be able to call the hotel desk and if they speak English fluently, they can explain the problem when they contact the ambulance.

While 112 works in Paris, it does not work like 911 in the US. It will not provide the operator with your location. In France, if you are in a big city, it is generally recommended that you call 18 (Pompiers - like EMTs) from a landline phone and not use 112 unless you are calling from a cell phone. Dialing 18 from a landline guarantees you will be connected to the local department with the fastest response time. Dialing 18 from a cell phone does not guarantee you'll be connected with the local Pompiers (depends on the cell towers, etc.) At least this was what I was taught in my Red Cross 1st Aid/CPR training held in Paris

Just an FYI: Many cell phones are programmed so that if you dial in 911 and are not in the U.S., the phone will dial 112. I don't know how universal this is, however, so it pays to know the emergency number where you are, but I thought it was a clever thing to do because it is likely that someone from the U.S. in an emergency situation might dial 911 automatically. Also, some countries use other numbers besides 911 or 112. I have seen 999 listed as a possible emergency number in parts of Europe (though I think 112 works in those places as well).

Thanks for the information everyone. My next question is which emergency number would be more likely to have someone that would speak english? Also , do these numbers have the capablity of tracing the address?

I'd say it's a crapshoot on which will be more likely to have someone who speaks English. And they won't automatically know your address when you call. I would recommend that you write out and learn to say some phrases in French. Perhaps someone can help you with what would be most applicable to your situation. You could also choose to stay in a hotel that you know for certain will have a front desk staffed 24/7 with an English speaker who can help you should the need arise. Check your medical insurance carefully, and realize that if your husband ends up in the hospital, you will have to pay the bill upon leaving, and they don't usually accept credit cards.