The SAMU is the national, publicly-run emergency service and deals with serious cases. It provides both ambulances and specialist medical teams.
The national police force in France is divided into the Police Nationale and the gendarmerie. In practice, the Police Nationale is reponsible for urban areas while the gendarmerie covers the rural regions (though this is an over simplification). From wherever you call the emergency number for the police you will be directed to the appropriate service. It is advisable to also write down the eight-digit number for your local police or gendarmerie. In large towns there is also a secondary police force, which has limited powers, called la police municipale, and which is managed by the local town hall. For non-urgent problems, write down the direct eight-digit phone number for your nearest police station (commissariat de police or gendarmerie).
The French fire brigade is trained and equipped to deal with medical emergencies. They provide an ambulance service using specially equipped vans. It is often the fire brigade who are called first to deal with accidents such as road injuries and domestic incidents. In many areas, especially rural regions like the Languedoc, they will be the first to the scene. They coordinate with other emergency services and will, if necessary, call in the specialised SAMU emergency medical service.
Dialling Emergency Numbers in France
When calling an emergency service, be ready to give your name, address, telephone number and the reason for your call. Never hang up until you are asked to do so.
Emergency telephone lines in France are answered in French. While you may by chance come across an operator who speaks English, there is no guarantee that an English speaker will be available. It is a good idea to make sure you know in advance how to give clear indications in French of your personal details, starting with your name, address and telephone number.
