Emergency call from Athens: How Augsburg's fire department helps in an emergency

Emergency call from Athens: How Augsburg's fire department helps in an emergency

An extraordinary emergency that recently unfolded in Athens highlights the challenges facing international emergency services. A woman from Germany called the emergency number a few days ago 112 The integrated control center alerted her because her partner urgently needed medical attention. He himself was in Athens while his cell phone was still in Germany. The scenario makes clear how complicated it can be to provide help when language barriers and geographical distances come into play. Friedhelm Bechtel, spokesman for the Augsburg professional fire department, emphasizes that support from local emergency services in Athens may be necessary, as no one in the Augsburg fire department spoke Greek.

The emergency number 112 is the central telephone number for emergency medical services in Germany and is also valid internationally. This uniformity makes it easier to call for help quickly in emergencies, not only in Germany but throughout Europe. 27 EU member states as well as Great Britain, Liechtenstein and Switzerland are represented on the Euro emergency number 112 AvD explained.

Challenges in international emergencies

In the specific case in Athens, the fire brigade helped quickly, but the circumstances were anything but ideal. It is not only important to recognize the seriousness of the situation, but also to ensure proper communication. Important questions to ask when making an emergency call include where the event took place, what exactly happened and who is reporting the situation. This information can also be indispensable on the second call if the current location cannot be clearly identified. By the way, medicine.plus reminds you that the questions from the emergency call center should not be underestimated. If you wait for questions, you should definitely not reveal unnecessary information or, in the worst case, be left behind.

The emergency number112has proven itself as the uniform emergency number within the EU since 1991. However, it should only be chosen in real emergencies. For non-urgent medical concerns, 116117 is available in Germany. This accessibility is the first point of contact for many people when it comes to non-life-threatening illnesses. The associated offer can even send an on-call doctor to your home. This makes it all the more important to be aware of regional differences and to have the local emergency numbers in mind before traveling.

The most important emergency numbers at a glance

• Deutschland: Rettungsdienst/Feuerwehr: 112
• Österreich: Rettungsdienst: 144
• Schweiz: Rettungsdienst: 144
• Belgien: Rettungsdienst: 100
• Frankreich: Rettungsdienst: 15
• Griechenland: Rettungsdienst: 166

In the case of medical emergencies, such as shortness of breath, heart problems or severe pain, the emergency number 112 is particularly frequently called. The quick response of emergency services can save lives here. The variety of medical emergencies for which the emergency service should be used is another reason to be familiar with the emergency numbers in other countries.

In order to be able to react correctly in an emergency, it is advisable to deal with these topics in everyday life. Clear communication is key to avoiding misunderstandings, and this is especially true when you are in another country. If you are thinking about traveling in the near future, it is advisable to find out about the specific emergency numbers in advance - that can't hurt!

In any case, the bill for this assignment abroad will be billed through the health insurance company, another aspect that travelers should keep in mind. In serious cases, it helps if you are somewhat prepared when dealing with the language and have important terms ready.