Health Emergency

It was so chaotic that we took a taxi.

Maybe not Rome, but I recall a couple posts where people have had to call an ambulance in Italy.

What is your concern?

Medical service and services as good as the US so I am not sure what you are asking.

Yes, I was with someone who fell down some stairs, was unconscious and needed stitches in her chin. The hotel called an ambulance and I rode along to the hospital. Once at the ER I could not go in the area where patients were being treated and those of us waiting had to stand in a hallway, there was no waiting room. Eventually I worked my way in to the treatment area. Very little English was spoken, even by the doctor, so the staff and I just pointed and used hand signals. Eventually she was released with the diagnosis of concussion and to have stitches removed in xdays. We called a taxi to get back to the hotel. She wasn’t charged anything. The experience was efficient and they were very kind and attentive. This was in Rome.

Not looking for a health adventure. Just curious when you call an ambulance and you are staying on one those small streets where cars are not allowed. Also staying in an apartment and wondering if that makes a difference. I would just like to be prepared and know what the process would be. thankyou everyone for your responses

They can get to you, by ambulance, and if they have to by foot, so not a problem.

To contact emergency services, you dial 112 (equivalent to our 911) or you can dial 118, which is specifically for Health issues.

I can't say whether you will be able to get an English speaking operator, or if they have them to connect to, but I would have the full address, including the neighborhood, available to relate to them, maybe spell out the numerical address in Italian (Centoventi for 120 for example) for clarity, maybe even prepare a short "I need an ambulance" type message to read out. If at all possible, try to get help to have an Italian speaker call (In a hotel the front desk of course, in the street, a shop worker) both to be able to describe the issue and to give directions.

Like others said, they are professional and efficient, will take you to an emergency care. Do not hesitate to call for help, it is not the second mortgage inducing experience as in the US, in fact for basic emergency services, you likely will see no charge. If you transfer to hospital care, then you will need your insurance information, and even that cost will be far less than in the US.

In Rome, Paris and Venice I’ve seen vehicles (or a boat) pull up to the last place traffic is allowed. The EMTs then run with the stretcher thing on wheels to get you. Know the emergency number to call, 118, and your address.

EDIT: This is another consideration between staying at an apartment vs hotel. I was glad in our situation to have a hotel front desk to call and offer follow up help.

excellent responses - thank you again !!

Post by kolosinkass reported for review.

Sorry, but if you don't speak Italian and you're concerned about this, I would stay in a hotel where people who speak some English could interpret between you and the emergency phone line and personnel.

I agree about staying in a hotel, but even then we need to be assured that the hotel desk is staffed 24 hours. Some aren't.